Paramount Theatre breaks ground on restoration project

Today Cedar Rapids took the first step in restoring the historic Paramount Theatre. City leaders broke ground on the $35 million project.

Part of Wednesday's ceremony included tours inside the flood damaged theatre. For many, this was the first opportunity to see what remains from 2008.

Bob Geuder wrote and directed at the theatre for 29 years. “I walked into the auditorium and almost cried,” Geuder said.

His wife Alo, felt the same way. “It's very sad, I couldn't recognize the auditorium,” she said.

Funding from FEMA, I-JOBS, and federal and state historic tax credits made the restoration project possible. Cedar Rapids Mayor, Ron Corbett, said that money doesn't get the job done, people with passion get the job done.

“The Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids is known as the crown jewel of our community,” Corbett said.

Bob Geuder agrees with the Mayor. “It's just a jewel, everybody loves the place,” Geuder said.

City leaders referred to the ground breaking as a new beginning. The added tour got people like Jim Green excited about what's to come.

“A lot of things to look forward to, I'm really excited to see it,” Green said.

A bigger stage, and a pit to fit a 50 piece orchestra, will help accommodate and bring in bigger productions. More leg room,wider seats, and better acoustics will accommodate guests. Along with making the building more handicap accessible.

City Manager, Jeff Pomerantz, said that this project was possible because of the people.

“We saw a community that had great pride in the facility and a great plan for the future,” Pomerantz said.

The theatre is hoping to have it's first orchestra concert in November of 2012. Just one moth after the scheduled completion date.

By Addison Speck, Sourcemedia Group

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