Paramount Theater
817 South Polk Street,
Amarillo,
TX
79101
817 South Polk Street,
Amarillo,
TX
79101
2 people
favorited this theater
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Only some of the lobby was turned into offices. When you come in the front doors the appearance of a movie house lobby still exists, but the inner doors don’t go anywhere. The theater house and stage was converted into a two level parking garage. The proscenium arch and ceiling are largely intact. On the upper level of the parking area ‘onstage’ you can look up and see the steel gridiron that once supported the stage rigging, and the fire curtain smoke pocket is still there. They torch-cut the ladder rungs so you can’t climb up to the old fly loft. It would be possible to ‘un-convert’ the parking garage back to a theater, but unlikely given the new Globe News Performing Arts Center nearby.
From 2010 photo views of the Paramount Here and Here in Amarillo.
21010 photo of the Paramount Theatre courtesy Lance Taylor.
View link
I am finally, after years of wondering, seeking an answer- who last owned the Paramount Theater? In other words, who sold it, allowing it to be torn up and converted into office space? I REALLY want to know.
I lived in Amarillo then (Tascosa, ‘68). I don’t remember ANY outcry at the loss of this grand old theater. I’ve traveled a lot and have been in theaters that are considered classics by the cities that still have them. Never have I seen a more beautiful theater.
I look back at my days and how i would sometime complain to my City Manager about having to Drive about 15 miles to the Imperial to sometimes open it up,after passing two our other ABC THEATRES . Really I was quite lucky to have the keys and work a Downtown Theatre. Joe V. I know you wrote in 2008 about the PARAMOUNT and a reunion, I hope you had one we have been lucky here in Augusta to be able to have several get togethers since 1985, When I thought about putting our first together.
Great photos of the rehanging of the vertical sign.
www.flickr.com/photos/lastpictureshow/3722905360/
www.amachron.com/amarillo_graffiti.htm
Here is another 1971 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/ydvhsyz
From 1948, newsprint images covering the world premiere at the Paramount of PANHANDLE filmed in “Glorius Sepia Tone” starring Rod Cameron.
A movie ad from 1963 for the Paramount Theater in Amarillo.
Here’s a view of the Paramount in 1971:
View link
A view from 1936 of the Paramount Theatre in Amarillo.
A view from 1936 of the Paramount Theatre in Amarillo.
This is an August 2008 photo.
I worked as the manager of the Paramount from June 1971 until December 1972 when I went away to school out of state. After one semester away, I returned to my old job in May 1973 for a year and left again in May 1974. The Paramount was a grand old building; I can remember spending hours every week changing out light bulbs and arriving a couple of hours before opening on a cold day to fire up the boiler to heat the building. I worked with a lot of great people there in their teens and early twenties; I guess we’re all in our 50’s now. It would be great to hear from any of you who read this message. Reunion, maybe? Joe V.
A Reuter theater organ opus 228 size 3/8 was installed in the Paramount Theater in 1931.
This is another photo of the Paramount Theater building.
Here is a 1930s photo of the Paramount Theater. This is a close-up view.
I thought the “Big Texan” steakhouse was great! Highly recommended.
Here are two news links relating to the sign restoration and the development of the building.
“The lights will shine” Amarillo Globe-News 8-17-2006 View link
“Paramount to house eateries” Amarillo Globe-News 8-20-2006
View link
One upscale restaurant is already beginning construction work on the ground floor. There is talk of restoring the auditorium for special events, independent films or some kind of entertainment venue. Our foundation is talking with the building owner about rebuilding the marquee under the restored sign. The sign has completely changed the landscape of our main downtown street, which is developing a fun and eclectic nightlife. Downtown Amarillo is coming back slowly but surely.
It looks like you chose a bad time to take your photos. Next time take your vacation in the fall. :)
It looks better with the sign and without all the trees.
This is another recent photo of the Paramount Theater.
The July photos that were submitted show the overgrown trees and not much of the facade of the theater. We removed two trees to make room for the sign, and here are some photos of the installation and the finished product: View link
Also, check out some great photos from the Polk Street Block Party that show the lighting of the sign on Aug. 19.
View link
Here are some photos fron July 2006:
http://tinyurl.com/yg5no3
http://tinyurl.com/ycykqc