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Austin Area Arts has announced a groundbreaking ceremony to officially launch the Historic Paramount Theatre renovation and expansion construction project. 

This event will occur from 5-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 with the official program starting at 5:30 p.m. Officials from The Joseph Company, project general contractor, will be on hand for the occasion along with the board and staff of Austin Area Arts and other friends of the project. 

The public is also invited to attend. 

To mark the affair, the theatre will also host one last pop in the historic popcorn machine before it is retired to become a display artifact in the newly renovated lobby space. Other refreshments will be available as well. 

Freewill donations will be accepted to go towards the newly launched “It’s Showtime!” capital campaign which seeks to add $1.2 million to the $3.67 million contributed by The Hormel Foundation to fund the overall renovation and expansion project. 

The project will greatly improve the patron experience at the Paramount Theatre by providing wider theatre seats, ADA accessible seating areas, main floor restrooms, more lobby space, and a better theatre environment through sound and lighting upgrades. 

There will also be major improvements to the performer experience through creating accessible dressing rooms and restrooms, a safe and efficient loading dock, accessible stage access, rebuilding the stage floor, and having access to sound and lighting systems that meet the industry touring standards. Projected grand re-opening of the Paramount is anticipated in August 2025. 

Capital campaign contributions can be made online at www.austinareaarts.org, by visiting the Austin ArtWorks Center during business hours, or mailing a donation to Austin Area Arts, 300 N Main St, Austin, MN 55912. 

One-time or multi-year pledges gratefully accepted. To donate shares of stock, donor-advised fund, qualified charitable IRA distributions, or other assets, contact Kelsey Ritchie 507-434-0934 or email kelsey@austinareaarts.org.