Six decades later, the historic building is, once again, ready for her close-up.
We ’ll express the obvious : New York City is not a seat lack in beautiful or historic performing humanistic discipline venues . But even the most jaded theater - goer among us will probably still be awe by the prominent , multi - million dollar refurbishment ofBrooklyn Paramount , which open up this week in Downtown Brooklyn .
If you ’re scratch your head at the use of the give-and-take “ renovation , ” and not “ first step , ” however , you ’re not alone : The theatre has n’t hosted music performances in over 60 years . establish as a picture palace in 1928 , in later decades the venue became one of the urban center ’s most in - requirement stages , hosting the like of Ella Fitzgerald , Miles Davis , and Ray Charles during its heyday . But 1962 was the yr the music stop : The space was transform into a basketball game arena — albeit a gorgeous one — for Long Island University , which it remained until 2006 .
Five years ago , however , Live Nation embark on an challenging project to return the Gallic Baroque , Rapp & Rapp - designed venue back to its former glory .
Ella’s VIP Lounge at Brooklyn Paramount|Photo by Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet for Thrillist
“ We ’re very lucky that we had the opportunity to restore a theater that was really well - designed and well - built , ” says Margaret Holmes , world-wide manager of Brooklyn Paramount . “ Our challenge was to preserve key parts of the figure while bring the modern amenities that buff and artists are wait for from a venue . ”
The result restoration employed over 500 local tradespeople , who tackled everything from preserve the building ’s famed rococo latticework ceiling to erecting a sloped storey for better watch from any point in the theatre . The new 2,700 - seat space now also brag seven legal community — serve both vintage liqueurs and zero - proof options — as well as Ella ’s VIP Lounge , a space inspired by Fitzgerald ’s performance there in the 1950s .
But the field of operations does n’t just cater to the hearing ’s preferences : The renovation was in reality design with the musicians front of intellect . offstage perks include showers in every fecundation elbow room , a game room , gym , and even initiation from local artists . And while it may not be the most popular instrument in a tilt band , the theatre ’s original Mighty Wurlitzer Hammond organ is still in tip - top shape , thanks to on-going maintenance by the New York Theatre Organ Society .
On a more macro story , the venue also go for to contribute to the continued revitalization of Downtown Brooklyn by involving the local community of interests . “ There ’s so much story in this construction and so many of our neighbour are activated to see it give back to its rootage as an entertainment destination , ” says Holmes . Along with offering place that can host town halls and gatherings , there ’s also a new political platform in partnership with nearby Long Island University that will include both internships and part - time jobs for students concerned in pursuing a vocation in the medicine diligence .
But , we know what you ’re thinking : Cool , but who ’s actuallyplaying ? There ’s really a show for every type of concert - goer : April alone will see Guster , Liam Gallagher , Pink Pantheress , and Waxahatchee , for starters . Over 45 shows are schedule so far , with more to be tote up later in the class .
All this talk to the borough ’s continued rise as anepicenter for nightlifeand springy music . And Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso agrees : “ The reopening of the historic Brooklyn Paramount is the late signboard that Brooklyn ’s art vista is fly high , ” he said in a statement . “ [ And ] this [ renovation ] demonstrates that New York City does not need to reinvent the wheel to convey entertainment and good - pay business to our city . ”
Drinks at Ella’s VIP Lounge|Photo by Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet for Thrillist
Brooklyn Paramountis place at 385 Flatbush Ave in Downtown Brooklyn . Purchase tickets to April concerts forGuster , Liam Gallagher , Pink Pantheress , Waxahatchee , andmore .
Brooklyn Paramount|Photo by Evan Joseph/Brooklyn Paramount
