Julia Sanderson Theater
Encyclopedia
Julia Sanderson Theater is an historic theater at 1676-1708 Main Street in Springfield, Massachusetts
, (although generally listed at 1700 Main Street.) Built in 1926 out of part of the grand Massasoit Hotel at a cost of over $1 million, the Paramount Theater was the most ornate picture palace in Western Massachusetts
. As of 2011, The Paramount is in the midst of a $1.725 million renovation to once again become a theater after decade as a disco, (the Hippodrome,) when it was the center of Springfield's rave
scene.
Theater, honoring a famous actress from Springfield - however, it remained a movie theater until the 1960s, when it began to find use as a mixed use venue for movies, rock concerts, and other live performances.
In 1998, the venue was purchased and restored. At that time, it was turned into a lavish nightclub and performance space. The venue's main floor seats were removed; however, the 1,100 balcony seats were retained and restored. The theater underwent a $1.3 million renovation in 1999, and was reopened as the Hippodrome Theater. The original organ was restored and the marquee was changed to reflect the theater's new name.
The Hippodrome became a popular venue for raves during the early 2000s and mid-2000s. In 2009, the theater was purchased by the New England Farm Worker's Council. It reopened April 7, 2010 after renovations and the installation of a new sprinkler system; however, the Hippodrome marquee remained. As of 2011, the Paramount Theater is in the midst of a $1.725 million renovation to once again become a theater and performance space.
Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is the most populous city in Western New England, and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers; the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern...
, (although generally listed at 1700 Main Street.) Built in 1926 out of part of the grand Massasoit Hotel at a cost of over $1 million, the Paramount Theater was the most ornate picture palace in Western Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts is a loosely defined geographical region of the U.S. state of Massachusetts which contains the Berkshires, the Pioneer Valley, and some or all of the Swift River Valley. The region is always considered to include Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties, and the...
. As of 2011, The Paramount is in the midst of a $1.725 million renovation to once again become a theater after decade as a disco, (the Hippodrome,) when it was the center of Springfield's rave
Rave
Rave, rave dance, and rave party are parties that originated mostly from acid house parties, which featured fast-paced electronic music and light shows. At these parties people dance and socialize to dance music played by disc jockeys and occasionally live performers...
scene.
History
From 1926 until the 1960s, The Paramount changed names several times - including a brief stint as the Julia SandersonJulia Sanderson
Julia Sanderson was an actress and singer. Her father, Albert Sackett, was also a Broadway star. She was born August 20, 1888, in Springfield, Massachusetts. She appeared in the Forepaugh Circus as a child and in her early teen years with her father. She then moved to Broadway, where she appeared...
Theater, honoring a famous actress from Springfield - however, it remained a movie theater until the 1960s, when it began to find use as a mixed use venue for movies, rock concerts, and other live performances.
In 1998, the venue was purchased and restored. At that time, it was turned into a lavish nightclub and performance space. The venue's main floor seats were removed; however, the 1,100 balcony seats were retained and restored. The theater underwent a $1.3 million renovation in 1999, and was reopened as the Hippodrome Theater. The original organ was restored and the marquee was changed to reflect the theater's new name.
The Hippodrome became a popular venue for raves during the early 2000s and mid-2000s. In 2009, the theater was purchased by the New England Farm Worker's Council. It reopened April 7, 2010 after renovations and the installation of a new sprinkler system; however, the Hippodrome marquee remained. As of 2011, the Paramount Theater is in the midst of a $1.725 million renovation to once again become a theater and performance space.