The Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville
Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall is fortunate to have two renovated theaters that offer residents and visitors alike a plethora of entertainment options in the way of music, plays, private event space and movies.
The older of the two (the Paramount Theater opened 19 years later), the Jefferson Theater has been a staple on the Mall since 1912 – it was built in 1901 originally to house a bank.
Established, according to the website, “as a live performance theater that played host to silent movies, vaudeville acts and a historic list of live performers, ranging from Harry Houdini to The Three Stooges.”
Many locals remember going to the movie theater, first as The Movie Palace in the ‘70s until 1992, and then when it was owned by former Hook Editor, Hawes Spencer, in the ‘90s and early 2000s, for $2 showings of second run or classic films – the upstairs area was walled off in the ‘80s and two movies could be shown at a time.
Many local events and dances were also held in the room behind the large screen. Several local businesses, from restaurants to art galleries, also got their start in the rabbit warren of rooms in the terrace levels.
Restoration Time
It seemed that the theater would decline gracefully into its twilight years until Coran Capshaw, the manager of The Dave Matthews Band, got involved and started to restore the theater in earnest in the spring of 2006.
The Jefferson reopened on November 27, 2009, after a comprehensive restoration by architect C.K. Howell, who also designed the November Theatre in nearby Richmond, that highlighted the theater’s vintage architecture while modernizing its facilities.
The theater now features two full‐service bars on separate floors, a restored balcony, new central air and heating systems, and new restrooms throughout.
In addition, state‐of‐the art sound and lighting systems and treatments to the theater’s acoustics make The Jefferson an excellent environment to experience live music. The venue now plays host to a range of genres including rock, bluegrass, reggae, country, metal and hip-hop.
Be prepared for the sloping floor in the main area, though, as they may have taken out the theater seating, but they didn’t level out the floor, so comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
Paramount – a complementary theater
Just down the Mall from the Jefferson, The Paramount Theater, designed by Rapp and Rapp, opened in 1931 as a movie theater.
According to its website, “With its Greek Revival-influenced façade, The Paramount’s exterior evokes an earlier time in Virginia’s history. With its octagonal auditorium chamber, delicate detailing, and neoclassical grandeur, the theater honors Charlottesville’s most famous son, Thomas Jefferson.
“Through details like painted tapestries, exquisite plaster moldings, and brass chandeliers, C.W. and George Rapp created a theater unlike any other they would design – one truly reflective of the community it would call home.The Paramount continued showing movies until it closed in 1974. In 1992, the non-profit Paramount Theater, Inc. purchased the building. With a grant from the City of Charlottesville, the work began.
“Progress continued with the hiring of Washington architectural firm Martinez & Johnson Architecture, in partnership with Charlottesville firm Bushman Dreyfus Architects. The 16.2 million dollar project includes not only the meticulous restoration of the theater, but also the creation of new facilities enabling The Paramount to step into its new role as a regional performing arts center – a modified fly loft, backstage areas, orchestra pit, and a three-story annex building with computerized box office, ballroom and meeting spaces, and a community rehearsal room.
“Restored to its former glory, The Paramount Theater opened its doors to the public once more on December 15, 2004.”
With the installation of the blade sign – lit up on Dec. 15, 2015 – the Paramount’s marquee finally is complete.
Charlottesville Now a Musical Force
There used to be a disconnect between the students at the University of Virginia and the Downtown Mall – and now, thanks to all the great venues like Jefferson, Paramount and the Pavilion, students are flocking to the Mall in droves via the free trolley services provided by CAT every 15 minutes on Monday through Saturday.
On Sunday, free trolley service is every 30 minutes in the morning, and every 45 minutes in the afternoon. The last trolley leaves the Downtown Transit Station at 11:30 PM on Monday through Saturday, and at 5:00 PM on Sunday.
Having the two restored venues on the Downtown Mall – along with the nTelos Wireless Pavilion at the East End – has helped propel Charlottesville into the preferred venue path of national acts – from Lyle Lovett, Sarah McLachlan and Garrison Keillor to Fun, Willie Nelson, Lake Street Dive and Ray Lamontagne – with choices for old and young alike.
