Austin’s Paramount and State Theatres Announce $65M Restoration and Renovation Project
Historic downtown venues set for major upgrades, expanded access and new community spaces beginning in 2026
The Paramount and State Theatres, two of downtown Austin’s most storied cultural landmarks, are preparing for their most ambitious transformation. On Tuesday, the Austin Theatre Alliance unveiled “Shine On,” a $65 million capital campaign that will fund a full restoration of the 110-year-old Paramount Theatre and a sweeping reimagination of the 90-year-old State Theatre. With $27 million already raised, the public is now being invited to help preserve and enhance these historic venues for the next generation.
“Making memories at the Paramount and State Theatres has been a rite of passage for six generations of Central Texans,” said Jim Ritts, CEO and Executive Director of the Austin Theatre Alliance. “Much more than entertainment – the Paramount & State change the way people see the world. And now they need Austin’s help to make sure they ‘shine on’ for everyone to enjoy for the next century.”
New seating, lighting and lounge
The restoration of the Paramount will begin in June 2026 and take approximately 8 to 9 months. It will be the theatre’s first full renovation in more than 50 years. Plans include replacing all 1,200 seats with custom-designed period-appropriate models, upgrading infrastructure and lighting, expanding restrooms and concessions, improving ADA access, and completing a third-floor lounge that was originally envisioned in 1915 but never built. That new space, JP’s Peace, Love, and Happiness Lounge, is named in honor of support from John Paul and Eloise DeJoria.
Following the Paramount, the next-door State Theatre will undergo a 13 to 16-month transformation, led by Clayton Korte. Once complete, it will feature a fully redesigned interior inspired by its long-lost art deco roots, flexible seating configurations for up to 500 guests, a basement speakeasy, rooftop deck, refreshed marquee, expanded restrooms and hospitality, and a shared elevator that will provide ADA access to both theatres.
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Investing in the next 100 years
“Believe it or not, the Paramount Theatre has not undergone a full restoration in over five decades,” said Maica Jordan, Chief Development Officer of the Alliance. “And this identity-defying transformation of the State has been a long time coming. It’s really going to have a huge impact on downtown Austin.”
Beyond modern upgrades, the campaign is focused on preserving the theatres’ history while making them more accessible, more usable, and more vibrant community hubs. Expanded performance capabilities and rental access for local arts organizations will allow the theatres to serve a broader creative community.
Contributions at every level are now being accepted. Donor benefits range from early access to events and naming opportunities to hard hat tours during construction. The campaign aims to raise $55 million for construction and another $10 million for an endowment to support the buildings’ future preservation.
Preserving history
Work has already begun behind the scenes. Artisans from EverGreene are restoring decorative details inside the Paramount, and visitors can glimpse early restoration work during current shows.
The Paramount is one of only 20 theatres in the country that are over 100 years old and still in use as performance venues.
“For a combined 200 years, these two historic venues have enriched the Austin community by shining a light on the very best in music, comedy, movies, thought-provoking speakers and beyond,” said Ritts. “And now, we’re asking the community to help ensure they’ll be here to inspire for another hundred years.”