The Historic Paramount Theatre expansion project takes a giant leap forward this week as Miller Dunwiddie Architecture heads to Austin for a two-day planning workshop.

Miller Dunwiddie is located in Minneapolis. Their approach is to design every space with its future occupants in mind. They have vast experience working specifically on historic theater buildings.

Some of their most notable projects are the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts in Minneapolis and the Mabel Tainter Memorial Theatre in Menomonie, Wis.

The architect team we will be working with is Charles Liddy and Denita Lemmon. Joining them will be Michael DiBlasi from the theatrical supply company Schuler & Shook.

Thursday will be focused on interviewing stakeholders about their opinion of the expansion. Miller Dunwiddie will interview Austin Area Commission for the Arts Board and staff to develop a program of what functions and related spaces could/should be accommodated at the Paramount. They will also conduct interviews to get an understanding of the physical constraints of the building and site.

Additionally, they will interview Austin community members who may have ideas on functions that the Paramount may be able to provide to the greater Austin community.

Friday will be focused on having the concept design developed. The folks from Miller Dunwiddie and Schuler & Shook will spend most of the day developing a design based on the feedback they will receive during their visit.

Then at 3:45 p.m., anyone interested is invited to join us at the Historic Paramount Theatre for an informal presentation of their design concept. We will be using this design to launch a capital campaign to raise funds for the expansion. If you would like more information about the expansion planning process and/or have ideas to share, please contact me at director@paramounttheatre.org.