Paramount Theater

The Aurora Civic Center Authority Purchased the Paramount with the intent to restor it to its original grandeur. The $1.5 million project enables the theatre to offer a variety of theatrical, musical, comedy, dance and family programming in a historical and modern setting. J.J. Rubens who sold the concept to Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation before construction was underway commissioned the original structure. Nationally renowned theater architects C.W. and George L. Rapp designed the structure. The theater was built at a cost of approximately $1 million in 1931, and for nearly half a century provided the public a variety of entertainment opportunities, including circus performances, movies and concerts. The success of the project allows the “Paramount Theatre to present entertaining, informative and inspiring world-class performances and theatrical opportunities in a beautiful historic setting, therefore enhancing the quality of life in the Chicago Metropolitan area.” Rod Malanyaon was the project structural engineer for the expansion/renovation of the Paramount Theatre. Due to its close proximity to the Fox River, the expansion is supported on steel end bearing h-piles, which in turn support cast-in-place concrete grade beams. The second floor framing is concrete on metal deck with steel joists and steel framing. Prefabricated wood trusses supported the roof.

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