Paramount leaders seek input from ‘community stakeholders’ on possibilities for theater

The Paramount Theatre will have a proposal for its upcoming expansion by the end of the week.

Paramount officials will work with representatives from architectural firm Miller Dunwiddie to get feedback from “community stakeholders,” or patrons, donors, and members of the arts communities in town today and Friday. In addition, Paramount officials are inviting all residents to a public reception at 3:45 p.m. Friday to view plans Miller Dunwiddie will create based on input.

“It is fantastic,” said Jennie Knoebel, executive director for the Paramount. “I know a lot of people in the community are also very excited.”

The Austin Area Commission for the Arts board of directors, which presides over the Paramount, will decide what steps to take after receiving the architect’s proposal.

The important thing, according to Board Chairman Dave Sylte, is to find out what the Paramount expansion should look like and how it can help the Paramount serve the community.

“The idea is to get as much input as possible from people who would have as much interest in the expansion,” he said.

Sylte said the board would have until its monthly meeting on Nov. 20 to decide whether to accept the plans as-is or to request modifications. Once plans are finalized, Paramount officials will start the fundraising process.

“It’s kind of been in the works for a long time,” Knoebel said.