Costly flood damage to Paramount Theatre revealed

posted by philbertgray on August 12, 2008 at 3:59 pm

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — Damage to the ornate Paramount Theatre from flood waters that enveloped downtown Cedar Rapids June 11, 2008 was revealed to the media this week. Water rose as high as nine feet inside the theatre at the height of the flooding and destroyed or seriously damaged much of the lower portion of the auditorium. Plaster from the flood line down has been completely removed leaving bare terra cotta brick work which must also be removed. The stage has been stripped down to its concrete base and all main floor seating has been removed.

The theatre underwent a $7.8 million restoration to return it to its former glory in 2003-2004. After completion of the demolition of the damaged portions of the interiior an assessment will be made of the total costs to restore the theatre.

An article, along with six photos of the interior damage can be found at the Gazetteonline.com. The photos can be accessed by clicking “Photos: Paramount Tour” at the beginning of the article.

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