Constructed in 1926, the 35,000 square foot theater took three years to build at a cost of $1,118,000. It was named the Paramount as one in the chain of class "A" deluxe theaters operated by a New York company. The Paramount was considered to be the most luxurious and extravagant theater in Western Massachusetts, with a capacity of 2,400 people.
The property is located 1700 Main Street in Springfield, Massachusetts and is a significant local landmark. The Paramount Theater played a prominent role in the social and cultural life of the city.
The office/commercial portion of the structure facing on Main and Gridiron streets was constructed in 1912 on the site of the Massasoit House, the city's most popular hostelry. The entire ground floor of the new building was devoted to commercial storefronts, the upper floors facing Main Street were outfitted as modern offices, and the Massasoit Hotel occupied the upper floors facing North on Gridiron Street. The hotel, which was across the street from the train depot, continued as a popular hostelry and social gathering place until it closed in 1926. The hotel space was converted to offices shortly there after.
Architecturally, the structure is a fine example of an early 20th century commercial building in the classical revival style. The theater is renowned for its lavish decoration and for the innovative theatrical systems, which were used here for the first time in the cities and regions history.
(from the website: http://www.hdrome.com/)