Revival of the Brooklyn Paramount

Here’s a really fun upcoming idea – and a great addition to the neighborhood. At 385 Flatbush Avenue there is a theater that was first opened in 1928. The story the walls could tell are probably incredible, having hosted the likes of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. It was also a basketball arena for awhile – probably one of the more ornate ones to be found in the States.

Now, the Brooklyn Paramount, a historic gem in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, is nearing the completion of its latest restoration and is set to reopen as a live music venue on March 27. The theater has been dormant for decades and is now supposed to include a marble lobby, a gold-painted ceiling illuminated with blue backlit glass and other great elements. The designers have kept some of the vintage elements as well, blending modern design with nostalgic charm.

Under the management of Live Nation, the theater is now going to host a lineup of 45 shows, featuring artists like PinkPantheress, Norah Jones, and Busta Rhymes. With a capacity of 2,700, it aims to become a bustling hub for live music enthusiasts. In addition, the revived theater is set to generate over 250 jobs.

Its transformation from a movie palace to a basketball arena and now back to a venue for live music marks a new chapter in its history. This restoration, spearheaded by Live Nation after a period of uncertainty, signifies a revival not just of a building, but of a cultural landmark, promising to bring vibrant performances and economic growth to the Brooklyn community.