Springfield receives state funding to renovate downtown theater

  • 2018-10-20
The Paramount Theater and Massasoit Building in Springfield will be renovated, thanks to special funding by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

During a recent press event inside the lobby of the theater, Governor Charlie Baker announced the award of $2.5m for the project. The total cost is $41 million and the project would develop a hotel with 85 rooms while also restoring the theater, which has 1,800 seats. A $4m loan guarantee has also been pledged by the federal government towards the project.

Baker added his support for the development of downtown Springfield in general. He said that everyone is looking forward to seeing this project become successful and demonstrating the true spirit of the city.

CEO of the New England Farm Workers Council, Herbie Flores, told the crowd at the event that some people consider this renovation a nightmare, while others see it as a dream come true. New England Public Radio noted that there was the sound of dripping water from the back of the decaying theater and the smell of moldering plaster during the announcement.

The New England Farm Workers Council is a nonprofit organization that owns the property and purchased it in 2011. Organizations such as this one often use banner printing to inform the community of such awards, the projects they support, and their benefits for the community.