Historic Paramount Theater in Springfield expected to go up for auction

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Massasoit House-Paramount Theater, an iconic landmark in Springfield, has been named to the Springfield Preservation Trust’s 2024 Most Endangered Historic Resources List.

The theater is now expected to go up for auction following the failure of redevelopment plans by the current owner.

The Springfield Preservation Trust says it has been more than a decade since the current owners, The New England Farm Workers Council, have taken ownership and redeveloped the theater on Main Street. Now, the Trust is concerned about the future of the establishment and wants to prevent further neglect or failed redevelopment attempts.

22News spoke with Erica Swallow, the Trust’s president, who believes preserving and restoring the theater will not only honor its history but also bring economic development.

“Investment has happened. On the other side to be able to once again bring national acts to Springfield. We already have the MGM doing that…. To have something at the other side of Main Street would be a big driver for bringing people all the way from perhaps Amherst to Hartford right here in Springfield,” said Swallow.

Swallow says if this was redeveloped it could act as a hotel or housing units and a theater. The building is being listed for nearly $2 million.

An auction is set to take place on Monday, September 23.

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