Coaster Photo
The Paramount Theatre on the boardwalk in Asbury Park is scheduled to be repaired.
By MICHELLE GLADDEN
Asbury Park officials have begun the process that will lead to the historic Paramount Theatre’s refurbishment, according to Communications Manager Nate McCallister.
“On March 26, the City Council adopted a resolution that authorizes Mayor Moor to enter a contract with Madison Asbury Retail (Madison) — the owner of the Convention Hall Complex and other structures along the Boardwalk,” McCallister wrote in a news statement. “That will begin the process of making repairs to the Paramount Theatre. These repairs are needed to ensure that the theater is structurally safe and watertight.” The 1,600-seat theater has been closed since 2021 due to safety issues.
The contract with the city provides that Madison Marquette will be paid no more than $1.3 million for the first phase of the Paramount Theatre repairs. These funds are a portion of a $20 million grant that was provided to the city through the Boardwalk Preservation Fund, legislation advocated by Governor Murphy. In total, $13 million of that grant has been earmarked for work on the Paramount Theatre. The city has allocated the remaining $7 million for new bathrooms and other improvements to the Boardwalk.
“The Paramount Theatre has been a landmark of our boardwalk and our city for almost a century,” Mayor John Moor said. “We are grateful for the partnership we have been able to form with Madison and look forward to bringing back one of the iconic venues of Asbury Park…This contract will help provide needed repairs that enhance the Paramount for our residents and tourists alike.”
Designed by Warren and Wetmore, the 98-year-old structure was shuttered after the city filed a January 2023 Notice of Default against the company, saying it had not kept its part of agreements signed in 2004 and 2010. The company subsequently closed the Paramount Theatre due to leaks and then shuttered Convention Hall.
During the first phase of the project, the Michael Graves firm and March Consulting/Construction will be engaged by Madison to thoroughly inspect the exterior of the Paramount Theatre. After the inspection, both entities will identify the repairs that need to be addressed and coordinate with the State Office of Historic Protection to prepare the appropriate construction documents.
The second phase of the project will be identified in an amendment to the contract, which will specify the details of the repair work and include a schedule to complete the exterior repairs.
Payments will be made by the city following an inspection by City Engineering consultants, T&M. This inspection will confirm if elements of the phased work have been completed. The first phase of the Paramount Theater repair project is expected to last 90 days.
