A Paramount Restoration

The Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was swamped by 8 feet of floodwater in 2008. Now, it’s the subject of an American Public Works Association honor for project of the year. 
Nearly destroyed by a flood in 2008, the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is recognized as the nation’s top disaster/emergency rehab project by the American Public works Association.

Cedar Rapids will receive its “Public Works Project of the Year” honor at an association convention Aug. 18 in Toronto.

The rehabilitation job earned the award in the category of $25 million to $75 million disaster/emergency construction repair projects.

The 2008 flood left the historic downtown theatre under 8 feet of water, with the basement submerged.

The building’s electrical and mechanical systems were ruined. Total damage was estimated at $16 million.

The building reopened in November 2012 with improvements including a restoration to take its original 1928 glory. Bronze doors were installed, and new audio, video and lighting systems were added.