History of the Paramount Theatre at 195 Market Street, Newark, NJ

The Paramount Theatre, located at 195 Market Street in Newark's Four Corners Historic District, was a prominent vaudeville and movie palace that operated for exactly 100 years. Originally built as a vaudeville house, it evolved with changing entertainment trends, underwent multiple renovations, and became a symbol of Newark's vibrant downtown cultural scene before falling into disrepair. Below is a chronological overview of its history.

Origins and Early Years (1886–1916)

- **Opening (1886):** The theatre opened on October 11, 1886, as **H.C. Miner's Newark Theatre**, named after theater impresario Henry Clay Miner. It was designed as a vaudeville venue and managed by the Brooklyn-based Hyde & Behman Amusement Company. Vaudeville was the dominant form of entertainment at the time, featuring live performances like comedy sketches, music, and acrobatics.

- **Ownership and Operations:** After Miner's death in 1900, his family retained control for several years. The theatre hosted a variety of acts and was a key part of Newark's burgeoning entertainment district, just a half-block east of the Market and Broad Streets intersection—the heart of downtown.

Major Renovation and Transition to Cinema (1916–1931)

- **Sale and Redesign (1916–1917):** In 1916, the property was sold to Edward Spiegel, owner of the nearby Strand Theatre. Spiegel hired renowned Scottish-American architect Thomas W. Lamb—famous for designing opulent "movie palaces" for chains like Loew's and Keith-Albee—to expand and remodel the venue. The old wood-frame balconies were replaced with a single steel-and-concrete balcony, the auditorium was redecorated in the elegant Adamesque (or Adam-style) motif with ornate plasterwork and gold leaf details, and the lobby was doubled in size. This upgrade seated around 2,000 patrons and positioned it for the rising popularity of silent films.

- **Interim Name:** During this period, it was briefly known simply as the **Newark Theatre**.

Peak as a Movie Palace (1931–1960s)

- **Renaming and "Talkies" Era (1931):** As silent films waned and sound motion pictures ("talkies") took over, the owners partnered with Paramount-Publix (now Paramount Pictures). The theatre reopened on September 4, 1931, as the **Paramount Newark** (later shortened to Paramount Theatre), screening films like Claudette Colbert's *Secrets of a Secretary* alongside stage shows. A 25-piece orchestra accompanied screenings, and updated sound equipment was installed. The iconic vertical "Paramount" sign and "Newark" marquee were added, which remain visible today.

- **Golden Age:** For decades, it thrived as a flagship venue for Hollywood releases, vaudeville holdovers, and live events. It was part of Newark's "Theatre Row," alongside spots like the Adams Theatre, and drew crowds from across New Jersey. Personal accounts from longtime managers highlight its role in downtown commerce and entertainment from the 1920s onward.

Decline and Closure (1960s–1986)

- **Challenges:** Attendance dropped in the mid-20th century due to suburban flight, the 1967 Newark riots (which accelerated urban decay and "white flight"), television's rise, and the shift to multiplex cinemas. A controversial repaint of the auditorium's ornate interiors further diminished its appeal.

- **Final Years:** By the 1980s, it struggled with maintenance and competition from home entertainment. The theatre closed on April 1, 1986 (some sources cite March 31), primarily due to skyrocketing insurance costs amid the city's economic woes. At closure, it was one of the last operating single-screen palaces in Newark.

Post-Closure and Current Status (1986–Present)

- **Abandonment:** Since 1986, the building has sat vacant and deteriorated. The interior—once lavish with Adamesque details—has suffered from water damage, collapsed roofs, and structural instability, rendering it unsafe and unsalvageable. However, the exterior façade, marquee, and signs have endured as landmarks.

- **Preservation Efforts and Redevelopment:** Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (as part of the Four Corners district), the site has sparked debate. In 2021–2022, developers RBH Newark OZ Paramount Project, LLC, proposed the "Corners at Four Corners" mixed-use project: a 16-story, 241-unit residential tower (including 20% affordable housing) with ground-floor retail, 30 parking spaces, and a rooftop terrace. Two applications were filed with the Newark Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission—one for full demolition, another for adaptive reuse. Public hearings in September 2021 and August 2022 favored partial preservation: the historic façade and marquee will be stabilized and restored, while the interior is demolished for new construction. As of late 2022, the project was advancing, though no major updates post-2022 indicate completion by October 2025; the site remains abandoned but poised for revival.

The Paramount Theatre's story encapsulates Newark's rise as an industrial and cultural hub, its mid-century struggles, and ongoing urban renewal. Its legacy lives on in photography books like Matt Lambros' *After the Final Curtain* and online archives, preserving memories of a bygone era of grand entertainment.