Reimagining Lighting for an Iconic Theatre

When two Vermont icons collaborate, legacy and future share the same stage. Recently, Hubbardton Forge had the privilege of partnering with the historic Paramount Theatre in Rutland, Vermont, to provide custom and standard lighting solutions for their highly anticipated expansion project. As a company rooted in the tradition of Modern American Blacksmiths, we were thrilled to help this local landmark step into its next chapter while honoring its storied past.

The Challenge: Designing a Bridge between Old and New

The Paramount Theatre holds a prestigious historical designation.

For a designer, the challenge is clear: how do you introduce new elements without clashing with the existing Victorian architecture?

At Hubbardton Forge, we aren't a reproduction company. We don’t make "faux-vintage" pieces. Instead, we create hand-forged, contemporary lighting that speaks to its environment. Our team looked for a visual "anchor" that connected our modern aesthetic to the Paramount’s heritage.

The Inspiration: Vintage Marquee Lights

The solution came from our Sprig Collection.

• The Design: The Sprig features organic, steel "branches" adorned with glass "berries" (globes).
• The Connection: These glass globes were a natural echo of the classic marquee lights that define the Paramount’s entrance.
• The Custom Touch: By carefully selecting finishes that complemented the theater's interior palette, we created a look that feels both fresh and fundamentally "Paramount."

Scalability for Commercial Spaces: From Lobby to Lounge

One of the reasons designers choose Hubbardton Forge for commercial lighting projects is our ability to scale. No space is too grand or too intimate for our Vermont-based team.

For the Paramount expansion, we took a tiered approach:

1. The First Floor Lobby: To match the grand scale of the main entrance, we manufactured large-scale custom lighting. These pieces act as a centerpiece, providing the "wow" factor necessary for a premier performance venue.
2. The Second Floor: To maintain a cohesive design flow, we utilized standard fixtures from the Sprig Collection. This ensures that as patrons move through the theatre, the lighting remains a unified part of the experience.

A Commitment to our Vermont Community

The Paramount Theatre is the heartbeat of downtown Rutland. For us, this wasn't just another commercial contract; it was a chance to be good corporate citizens. Being a part of the local community means showing up for the institutions that make Vermont special.

We are incredibly proud of the result and can’t wait for you to visit the reimagined Paramount Theatre.