Paramount Theatre
142 Federal Plaza West,
Youngstown,
OH
44503
142 Federal Plaza West,
Youngstown,
OH
44503
13 people
favorited this theater
Opened as the Liberty Theatre in 1918, this small, yet elegant building was clad in white terra cotta, and ornamented with swags and fluted pilasters. It was designed by architect C. Howard Crane, with Stanley & Scheibel as associate architects.
It became known as the Paramount Theatre in the late-1920’s and its mezzanine was given an Art Deco makeover in the 1930’s.
Closed by the early-1970’s, the marquee has since been removed, leaving only a metal framework. An ill fated renovation was attempted in the early-1980’s but abandoned due to cost constraints.
The interior plasterwork was particularly beautiful. The building contains two empty storefronts which have been gutted although the lobby and auditorium is more or less intact.
Contributed by
John C. Harris
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Recent comments (view all 136 comments)
It was torn down under urban renewal in the late 1960’s or early 1970’s.
It wad located on East Federal between Walnut and Watt Streets. I was only in there once to see a picture. During its last years it was running Spanish pictures and the theater wsn’t in the best of shape, but for a small theater it had a large projection booth that was in good condition and well equipped.
As to seating capacity, I have no idea and wouldn’t want to speculate, but was most likely under 1000.
The problem we have is that over the years there were a number of downtown theaters that came and went with no fanfare that we could locate other than ads on the theater pages of the Vindicator. These were in many cases theaters that ran films and did vaudville but didn’t last long, and only a very small number of them got any textual publicity.
Again, back to the Regent, it did have a nice marquee, and next to it was a radio repair shop. In the early 1960’s I worked at a store a few doors up from the Regent which by that time as I said was showing Spanish films.
Thanks for the information, Wolfgirl. Much appreciated.
First a question. In the photos of the Paramount stage the pipe organ is situated up against the back wall as are the pipes. Now I know that the organ itself can be placed anywhere … down in the orchestra pit being an example, and having the pipes behind the screen would make it an ideal spot, but was the organ there from the beginning, or was it just moved there later on. If so, there must not have been much room left what with the large sound equipment that was also behind the screen.
Next, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the folks at Cinematreasures who have contributed to my better understanding of theaters, you’re great folks.
While doing research on another local theater, I came across an ad for the Liberty Cafateria in 1921 when the Paramount was still known as the Liberty, and according to the ad, the Liberty Cafateria was located in the basemant of the theater, and judging by the menu it served upscale food, and even had its own orchestra.
Because this restraunt was in the theater, I’ve placed a copy of the ad i the photos section for this theater.
I noticed the pipes stacked at the back too. The console is also there up on the stage, so I suspect that was just the deconstruction crew moving them. The organ lofts are plainly visible on each side of the front seating area.
Soon the status of the Paramount might change once the bulk of the building is demolished but let the folks tell their story in their own words:
New plans for the Paramount.
http://paramountproject.org/mission.htm
The plans include movies so once the project is completed the status can be changed to “Open” and “Single Screen”.
There are many photos of the Paramount as it stands today, but precious few of the theater in its prime, so I found a photo of the main floor in the theaters prime. Hopefully someone else can uncover more photos like this one.
In 1984 Mr. Richard Blackwell led a valiant charge to restore the theater but did not have enough $. Two events were held to my memory: A film on the history of the Youngstown Sheet and Tube, a concert by Black Oak Arkansas.
I recall Richard’s attempts, but unfortunately the city was no help to him when he applied for grants. Also saddly he couldn’t find enough volunteers to help him even clean up the theater.
I would like to document his efforts but need more exact dates since I haven’t the time to wade through hundreds of newspapers for 1984. I did run a quick Google but it was no help, and before I impose on our public library I hope someone can furnish me with dates. Our newspaper doesn’t index its articles so it isn’t any help.