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Brooklyn's Paramount Theatre renovations begin in 2017

Back in January 2015, it was announced that Brooklyn’s Paramount Theatre on Flatbush would begin hosting music again for the first time in 50 years. (Not to be confused with nearby Paramount Theaters, like the ones in Asbury Park, Long Island or Westchester.) More details on that have now emerged.

As Billboard reports, the team behind Barclays Center and the renovation of the Nassau Veterans Coliseum has signed a long-term lease with LIU Brooklyn to renovate and operate the Long Island University Brooklyn Paramount Theatre. Renovatons will begin in 2017, overseen by Paramount Events Center (PEC), and the doors are slated to open in 2019.

Original renovation plans drawn up last year have been revamped so that the venue will have a flexible seating configuration that will increase capacity from around 1,500 to up to 2,800. They’re also contemplating building a lounge in the lower level. PEC is to put on projecting 120 events per year, including comedy, boxing and private programs for LIU students, in addition to live music.

“We are thrilled to have finalized this agreement with LIU Brooklyn, and are eagerly anticipating the start of renovation on the legendary concert hall,” BS&E’s Yormark said in a statement. “Brooklyn will have yet another place to enjoy a diverse line-up of events as we continue to expand the borough’s flourishing entertainment district.”

The people behind the Barclays Center, in addition to doing the renovation, will be involved with the booking too. As Billboard also points out, “Strategically, the Paramount is another rung on the venue ladder, with the Barclays group seeking to be involved with artists as they climb the venue ladder, starting with the Billboard Lounge at Barclays Center. With its flexible capaxity, the LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theatre would be the next step, followed by the 4,500-seat Tidal Theater at Barclays Center, and eventually play the big room at Barclays Center.”