Paramount Theatre receives $1 million to complete expansion

Downtown Rutland’s Paramount Theatre was one of eight Vermont recipients to receive Northern Regional Border Commission (NBRC) Catalyst grants totaling $7.9 million. Phil Scott, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Congresswoman Becca Balint, along with NBRC, made the announcement Thursday, June 27.

The $1 million grant is a portion of the total project cost listed as $3,340,945.

The Richardson Building’s top two floors will be totally renovated into two 4,000 square foot multi-use venues with ancillary support spaces, according to the grant news release. The project will unite the the adjacent Richardson Building with the current Paramount Theatre spaces.

“The jewel of Rutland is going to shine even brighter,” Paramount Executive Director Eric Mallette commented on Facebook. “This is a vote of confidence not just in The Paramount, but in Rutland!”

The renovated Richardson Building will include a full-service kitchen, ADA-accessible elevator and panoramic views through new windows installed on its western wall. An all-new 200-capacity theatre will not have a fixed seating plan and will be used for anything from corporate events to small performances. The plans also will triple the overall restroom space, double the space for the concession area, relocate and modernize the box office, and install equipment for better air quality.

“These are the kind of investments essential to revitalizing communities across Vermont,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I want to thank the NBRC and Agency of Commerce and Community Development for their hard to work to support these projects, and the Congressional delegation for their advocacy for this funding each year.”

“In these difficult times, it is imperative that the federal government deliver for Vermont communities in real, timely, and effective ways,” said Senator Bernie Sanders. “I am glad to see these funds awarded to Vermont and look forward to seeing the meaningful ways they will strengthen our communities, bolster local economies, and bring more resilience to our infrastructure.”

When evaluating potential projects, the Catalyst program considers project readiness, economic impacts, impacts on Vermont’s skilled workforce, project location, regional input and priorities, and the project’s transformational nature.

This is one of two Catalyst funding rounds in 2024. Here is the complete list of Spring 2024 awardees. 2024 Fall Catalyst Competition pre-applications are due Sept. 6, 2024.

2024 Vermont Spring Catalyst Awardees

• The Otter Creek Child Center, Inc., Addison County, NBRC Award: $397,806.16. Total project cost: $795,612.3. Construction of a 13,000 square foot childcare center to accommodate 139 children age 6 weeks to 5 years.  
• City of Barre. NBRC Award: $2,875,870. Total project cost: $6,375,870. Residential development for a range of housing from affordable to market rate. Up to 128 units could be developed.
• Paramount Center, Inc., Rutland. NBRC Award: $1,000,000. Total project cost: $3,340,945. The Richardson Building’s top two floors renovated into two, 4,000 sq. ft. multi-use venues with support spaces.
• Town of South Hero. NBRC Award: $500,000. Total project cost: $1,276,500. Restore and renovate a multi-purpose community center.
• Alburg Family Clubhouse, Grand Isle County. NBRC Award: $166,505.96. Total project cost: $335,809.66. Construction and operation of a non-profit, full year, early care and education program in a new childcare facility for 62 children from birth to grade 5.
• Town of Bennington. NBRC Award: $1,000,000. Total project cost: $6,333,558. .Redevelopment of a former high school to bring 100,000 square feet into use with a mix of housing, commercial space, and community recreation facilities.
• Craftsbury Saplings. NBRC Award: $1,000,000. Total project cost: $5,262,642. Construction of a new 7,000 square foot childcare center to increase capacity from 19 to 54 children.
• Town of Middlebury. NBRC Award: $1,000,000. Total project cost: $3,750,000. Construction of an additional water storage tank.