Developing Brooklyn:
Brooklyn Paramount Theater

Brooklyn, NY In the 1920s, the Brooklyn Paramount Theater stood as a beacon of artistic expression, hosting groundbreaking performances by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, The Supremes, and many others. This historic French Baroque revival theatre, nestled at the intersection of Flatbush and DeKalb Aves. downtown, has recently been meticulously restored and reopened as a landmark music venue by Live Nation Entertainment, rekindling the spirit of its illustrious past.

The theater building has been used for various purposes over the years, most recently by Long Island University as a gymnasium and classroom facility. However, it retained much of the original decorative detail, and Schimenti was brought on as a partner to revive the 90-year-old venue — retaining and restoring its existing features while integrating modern amenities and technology to meet the needs of a high-end performance space.

The 72,000 s/f redevelopment involved the renovation of eight levels, from cellar-level offices and green rooms to the building’s highest levels, now home to mechanical and spotlight rooms. The main floor, a testament to the grandeur of the past, includes a performance platform and seating areas, along with a grand foyer bar and amenity spaces — promising an immersive experience for event attendees and a renewed sense of vibrancy for the live entertainment community.

The building’s age and intricate design presented challenges. The existing structure pre-dated modern engineering, requiring the team to be ready for surprises that could affect the schedule and budget.

The restoration of the theater’s original detailing, particularly the plaster ceiling, was the most challenging aspect. Ensuring it was structurally stable enough to withstand vibrations from live music was critical. The team also collaborated with a lighting designer to illuminate the plaster dome, bringing a magical feeling to the space.

Preparations for ceiling restoration were equally complex, requiring massive scaffolding to access the soaring dome. A unique cantilevered system allowed access to the two-tier dome in the main theater and grand hall. The scaffolding had to be agile and adjust as the project progressed. Job site safety was paramount, with regular stand-down meetings and safety communication. The project was completed incident-free.

The design team also referenced original plans and historical drawings to restore other intricate details throughout the venue. Extensive coordination was required for the finish work in five bars, two lounges, balcony boxes, green rooms, and bathrooms. While the iconic lobby fountain is gone, the space honors the past while supporting modern technology and security standards.

On the exterior, a new marquee was installed, inspired by the original signage. The project was completed in 69 weeks, and the Brooklyn Paramount Theater reopened in March 2024, again serving as a cultural hub for the neighborhood.

This project cements Schimenti’s capabilities in the entertainment and hospitality markets and showcases the firm’s expertise in delivering exceptional venues built for unforgettable experiences.

Project Info

Project Title Brooklyn Paramount Theater

Project Location 385 Flatbush Avenue Ext.

Property Type Entertainment

Project Type Renovation (Historic)

Number S/F 72,000 s/f

Year Started 2022

Completion Date 3/25/2024

Project Team

Architect Arcadis

Developer Live Nation

Structural Engineer Thornton Tomasetti

MEP Engineer Highland Associates

General Contractor Schimenti Construction Company