Designed by the Chicago architectural firm of Rapp & Rapp, and built by Percival Hunter Faulconer and Hollis Rinehart,  the Paramount Theater was atypical of the art deco 1930s movie theaters, boasting a stately Georgian facade, elegant lobby, magnificent chandeliers, classical seat decoration, 18th century style colonial scenes painted on silk panels and an ornate auditorium. 

Unfortunately, the Paramount closed its doors in 1974 and entered a period of decay. Thanks to private and public funding of over $14 million dollars, the Paramount underwent full restoration, including civil engineering work led by McKee Carson. Improvements to the building have transformed the theater into a state of the art cultural entertainment and educational center for central Virginia. In addition to total renovation of its existing space, a third story has been designed as a multi-purpose space dedicated to arts education, community group meetings, and corporate and private functions. Additionally, an enlarged basement provides, dressing rooms, back lift, larger stage, technical storage and orchestra pit attracting a broader variety of events.

On Sunday, November 13, 2005, The Thomas Jefferson Branch of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities awarded the 2005 Annual Preservation Project of the Year Award to the Paramount Theater. Founded in 1889, the APVA is the oldest preservation organization of its type in the nation. Citing the high quality of attention given to the process of restoration, the APVA praised the Paramount for not only revitalizing the historic space, but also for adding to the cultural life of Charlottesville and Central Virginia.

View the list of other Historic Preservation Projects