Skip to content

Paramount project taking shape

The concrete floor that was walked on for the better part of a century has slowly been dismantled
web1_170317_KCN_PARAMOUNT_1
Carli Berry/Capital News The old Paramount Theatre building on Benard Avenue. The old Paramount Theatre building on Benard Avenue. - Image Credit: Carli Berry/Capital News

By the end of this year the Paramount Theatre will have a new lease on life, a small quick service restaurant and a larger brew pub.

Ronmor Developers out of Calgary embarked on redeveloping the 70 year old theatre last year and according to the company’s vice president Doug Porozni, it was a “significant task.”

The concrete floor that was walked on for the better part of a century and everything above it has slowly been dismantled.

The only thing that’s stayed put is the iconic marquee.

“The city wanted to keep that historic piece of Kelowna,” said Porozni, adding that it was a good decision.

RELATED: KELOWNA GETS NEW URBAN FEEL

It also wouldn’t have been that easy to get rid of it.

“It’s concrete poured into the ground, and it wasn’t going to move easily,” he said.

As they jack-hammered away the remnants of the theatre, however, they did have to support the structure, which is obvious from a street level observation.

That wasn’t the only challenge. All around the theatre are historic buildings, so construction crews had to do their best to dismantle while not destroying.

And, while they did, there were a few artifacts salvaged to add character to the new projects, said Porozni.

“We’re bringing back some of the elements,” he said. “Metal sliding doors and theatre seats are two items being used in the quick service restaurant.”

Beyond that, however, the new leessee will decide how the building will turn out and they’ll embark on installing fixtures in May.

Porozni said that while the project has had its challenges, it was ultimately a lot of fun to complete.

He won’t, however, reveal who the new tenants are just yet.