The landscape of downtown Kelowna may be changing dramatically.

The Paramount Theatre, which has been a mainstay on Bernard Avenue since 1949, recently closed and changes are already upon it.

The owner Ronmor Developers had their architect McKinley Burkart propose a design plan to the City of Kelowna at the beginning of March which involves turning part of the building into a Craft Beer Market and the other part into some type of retail space.

Photo Credit: McKinley Burkart.

As part of the applicant’s proposal, they will be keeping with some of the Paramount Theatre design elements including the theatre sign.

In the smaller space, they propose to add new glazed doors and to use heritage detailing to redo exterior surfaces. They also plan to keep the existing marquee, which would be refurbished, and to demolish the mezzanine level.

On the west side, they want to add new doors, trim, signage and a second floor. They also plan to reuse part of the existing marquee in the interior space as a signage element.

Photo Credit: McKinley Burkart.

According to McKinley Burkart Architecture, they designed the project to enhance the area while keeping within City guidelines.

The Paramount Theatre is within the heritage district of downtown Kelowna, but it is not included on Kelowna’s Heritage Register.

Despite this, many people think the “Paramount” sign and the existing marquee, are integral to the area, and it seems to be something both the City and builder want to keep up, although the architect said the text on it may be changed to suit the lease holder.

Even though the exterior of the building will be reconstructed, the materials will follow the city’s heritage guidelines.

Photo Credit: McKinley Burkart.

“The overall goal of the proposed redevelopment is to maintain the established architectural character of the area while bringing more activity to the street,” reads the design plans. “The objective of the project is to revitalize the existing building to attract long term tenants that will have a positive impact on the community and city.”

In the proposal, Craft Beer Market would take up the west space, which has been sectioned out to be 75 per cent of the building.

Craft Beer Market already has locations in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa, offering local brews and fresh food.

Photo Credit: Craft Beer Market .Craft Beer Market Vancouver.

According to the architect, Craft values the history of the building and wants to play up on its past as a former theatre. They are considering projecting movies inside the restaurant and having movie-theatre-inspired menu items.

On the east side, the developer wants to lease the space to a retailer who has not been picked yet. Currently, the Paramount building is featured on the Ronmor Developers’ website.

Because the store is unknown, there aren’t many details about what the space will look like, considering that it will be adapted to the specific brand. At a later date, they will have to apply for a signage permit and a building permit based on that.

The application will be discussed at Council in the next few weeks as part of a public session.