04/10/2025
The 1930s era Art Deco Paramount Theatre is a pristine example of the well-preserved historic buildings anchoring Abilene’s thriving downtown district. Like all surviving buildings from that era, accessibility issues challenge patrons who have difficulty navigating stairs, in this case, to access the basement area concessions or upper floor bar.
Weatherl & Associates was challenged with the task of relocating the Executive Director’s office into an adjacent space, to create room for a period-styled accessible refreshments area. The Crowe Group, a local contractor, working with several local businesses and craftsmen, brought the design to life.
The curved wood frame of the Art Deco styled window wall, with hand formed blue glass panels, mirrors the arc of the concession counter below. The curves are an integral part of the Art Deco styling, but more importantly direct the flow of foot traffic and provide ample room for patrons to navigate the space. The counter features the iconic blue and white tile pattern from the theatre’s ticket booth and main entry; blue glass floor tiles, hammer formed copper sink and copper backsplash complete the period appropriate styling, seamlessly blending the modern concessions into the historic building.
The Crowe Group, Inc.
