QuarterlY - Rutland Historical Society

RUTLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY QuarterlY VOLUME
37 No.1
2007
A History of The Richardson Building 36-40 Center Street Rutland, Verm.ont The Richardson Building (on the left) was built in 1884-1885. The Paramount Theatre (on the right) has recently acquired the Richardson Building. The above photo was taken in August 2006. About the Author Paul J. Crossman, Jr. is a Rutland native. He received
his education at Rutland High School and the
University of Vermont. He retired from General
Electric Company in 1990 after 36 years service as an
electrical engineer. He is a Vermont licensed
professional engineer (Electrical) and a former
Vermont licensed private investigator. Paul also
volunteers at Rutland Regional Medical Center, and
as an usher at the Paramount Theatre. He has written
previous quarterlies for the Rutland Historical Society entitled "Pine
Hill Stone Crusher and Early Stone Crushing Practices in Vermont 1887­
1932" (Volume 28 Number 2), "Development of Rocky Pond Recreational
Area, Rutland, Vermont 1952-1954" (Volume 29, Number 1), "Rutland
Vermont Jails 1784-2000" (Volume 30 Number 1) and "A History of
the Paramount Theatre - Rutland, Vermont 1914-2004" (Volume 34,
Number 3).
Introduction
The Richardson Building, built in 1884-1885, is rich in its early
history. Located in the heart of downtown Rutland, this 122-year old
building has been home to many colorful, prominent and diversified
tenants from U.S. Government offices to a physician, undertaker,
attorney, contractors, numerous retail merchants and apartment
rentals. The Richardson Building has seen several owners and is
currently owned by the Paramount Theatre. The addition of this
building to the Paramount Theatre provides needed floor space and
facilities and room for future expansion. At the request of the
Paramount's Executive Director, this article was written to help
qualify for national historical register status.
The Quarterly is published by the Rutland Historical Society, 96 Center Street, Rutland
VT 05701-4023 . Co-editors: Jim Davidson and Jacob Sherman. Copies are $2 each plus
$ 1 per order. Membership in the Society includes a subscription to the Quarterly and the
Newsletter.Copyright © 2007 The Rutland Historical Society, Inc. ISSN 0748-2493.
2
The Richar
36-40 Ce
Rutland,
By Paul J
Construction of the Richardso
building located at 36-40 Center
begun in 1884 and completed in 1
was recorded 13 March 1884 in
from C. L. Long to George Ric
Building.
The following article was pub·::
on 5 March 1885:
George Richardson's ne\\' bloc - 0
April 1. Work was begun in A
have been constantly employed
by J.J.R. Randall and has bee
four stories high with a ba erne 1
front is of pressed brick wi II
floor are three stores, each 20
rooms designed for offices: on
rooms each, and on the fourt
reception, dining and officers
carpenters are now at work fi
building and an ornament to
Later references to the Ric a
Rutland Weekly Herald as fo ow
notes that "the inside of George
Street will be painted by ~Ir. _ a
commented that Post Roberts
(GAR) was very comfortably 5e
Richardson Block.
In 1913 the building was so d
How ley and was thereafter calle
Jr. is a Rutland native. He received
, Rutland High School and the
rmont. He retired from General
in 1990 after 36 years service as an
~er. He is a Vermont licensed
ineer (Electrical) and a former
l private investigator. Paul also
and Regional Medical Center, and
Paramount Theatre. He has written
ld Historical Society entitled "Pine
8rushing Practices in Vermont 1887­
lopment of Rocky Pond Recreational
" (Volume 29, Number 1), "Rutland
e 30 Number 1) and "A History of
, Vermont 1914-2004" (Volume 34,
A History of The Richardson Building 36-40 Center Street Rutland, Verm.ont By Paul J. Crossman, Jr.
Construction of the Richardson Building, a four-story red brick
building located at 36-40 Center Street in Rutland, Vermont, was
begun in 1884 and completed in 1885. The first deed to this property
was recorded 13 March 1884 in the City Clerk's Office in Rutland
from C. L. Long to George Richardson, hence the name Richardson
Building.
The following article was published in the Rutland Weekly Herald
on 5 March 1885:
n 1884-1885, is rich in its early
wntown Rutland, this 122-year old
colorful, prominent and diversified
ffices to a physician, undertaker,
retail merchants and apartment
. has seen several owners and is
mt Theatre. The addition of this
'e provides needed floor space and
xpansion. At the request of the
this article was written to help
ster status.
George Richardson's new block on Center Street will be completed
Aprill. Work was begun in August last and a large number of men
have been constantly employed on it ever since. It was designed
by J.J.R. Randall and has been built under his supervision. It is
four stories high with a basement and measures 60 by 55 feet. The
front is of pressed brick, with marble trimmings. On the ground
floor are three stores, each 20 feet by 55 feet; on the second, 15
rooms designed for offices; on the third, three tenements of five
rooms each, and on the fourth the Masonic Hall. The latter has
reception, dining and officers rooms as well as a large hall. Fifteen
carpenters are now at work finishing the upper floors. It is a fine
building and an ornament to the street
Historical Society, 96 Center Street, Rutland
md Jacob Shennan. Copies are $2 each plus
ludes a subscription to the Quarterly and the
Historical Society, Inc. ISSN 0748-2493.
Later references to the Richardson Building appeared in the
Rutland Weekly Herald as follows: On 26 March 1885 the reporter
notes that "the inside of George Richardson's new block on Center
Street will be painted by Mr. Martell." On 23 April 1885 the paper
commented that Post Roberts of the Grand Army of the Republic
(GAR) was very comfortably settled in its new quarters in the
Richardson Block.
In 1913 the building was sold by Addie Richardson to Patrick F.
Howley and was thereafter called the "Howley Block". The building
2
3
is presently referred to under the original name as the Richardson
Building by the media and others.
Dating from the 1870's style, this four-story building is the last
surviving example of a commercial structure with a modified
mansard roof in Rutland. The vertical articulation, fenestration and
crowning cornice and mansard element make this a well­
proportioned architectural composition.
Center Stre~t.Rutland. Vt.
earthquake in .
had blown up-a.::
It is believed tha' The cornice or
and metal, bra
mansard roof ... - - - ­
bands and marb. between stories.
An oil-fired Weh -_ .
building. The large Franklin fireplace.
throughout the bu·
In 1977 Crandell .:>..::-;0,.;_ _ .......::.....::=
Historic
recommendations ror
brickwork; brickwor'
coated with a proper =&=.~.:-..­
cornice and parape ::
fronts: remove e .;:­
pilasters to side
corridor. Design ne
Some Tenants of
(l to r) The Richardson Building, tallest building in the center, is adjacent to the Geo. Richardson Livery and the Chaffee Block. The Geo. Richardson Livery became "The Playhouse" in 1914 and is now the Paramount Theatre. Building Construction
The Richardson Building is described as a brick veneer commercial
block of four stories. It features cornice brackets, segmental arch
windows, and marble belt course (a continuous horizontal layer of
marble). Building dimensions are 60 feet wide by 50 feet deep or 3000
square feet per floor.
The fourth floor was used as a recruiting center during World War
II (1939-1945) and possibly the Korean War (1950-1953). It may have
been a ballroom before that. Steel rods were installed through the
building between front and r ear walls to provide strength and
stability to the structure. There were no supporting timbers used in
these walls. Floor joists were positioned between side walls in an
east-west direction. The building survived a quite substantial
4
t
36 Center Street
Blue Cross Blue Sme
Commercial Credit C
Eastern Estate Tea C ~
Ezra Sound Co 1983­
Joe's Billiard Parlor
New York Bakery I!?
Rutland Clothing Co :~ _ - ­
Rutland Shoe Shine Par 0 - Swanson Music Store 19 ~ ~ ­
Wilson Boys & Students St re
Wilson Sports Equipment 1
Wilson's Boys & Students '-'~...,. 'CC_
38 Center Street
Commercial Credit Corp
Dorothy's Bakery 1940
Eisig, M, Tailor 1889-1892
original name as the Richardson
lis four-story building is the last
'cial structure with a modified
;ical articulation, fenestration and
element make this a well­
:;ition.
earthquake in the early 1980's when tenants "suspected the boiler
had blown up" as they ran from the building, and "often felt tremors".
It is believed that earlier structures at the same location had burned.
The cornice or horizontal molded projection of the building is wood
and metal, bracketed and deeply overhanging with a modified
mansard roof or parapet. There are brick pilasters with marble
bands and marble string courses with stepped brickwork below the
cornice. Flat-arched brick lintels and recessed panels are found
between stories.
An oil-fired Weil-McLain Model 678 steam boiler is used to heat the
building. The large ballroom on the fourth floor is also heated by a
Franklin fireplace. A new sprinkler system has been installed
throughout the building.
In 1977 Crandell Associates Architects did a study for the Rutland
Historic
Preservation
Project
and
made
the
following
recommendations for work that the building needed: Repoint
brickwork; brickwork has been sandblasted, should probably be
coated with a proper weatherproof sealant. Repair, scrape and paint
cornice and parapet. Scrape, caulk and paint sash and frames. Store
fronts: remove existing marble veneer and stucco, extend brick
pilasters to sidewalk, restore shop cornice or introduce sign
corridor. Design new storefronts.
Some Tenants of the Richardson Building (1880's -1980's)
?, tallest building in the center, Livery and the Chaffee Block. came "The Playhouse" in 1914 ramount Theatre. In
ibed as a brick veneer commercial
cornice brackets, segmental arch
(a continuous horizontal layer of
o feet wide by 50 feet deep or 3000 ~cruiting center during World War
~ean War (1950-1953). It may have
I rods were installed through the
. walls to provide strength and
ere no supporting timbers used in
.itioned between side walls in an
.g survived a quite substantial
36 Center Street
Blue Cross Blue Shield 1967-1974 Commercial Credit Corp 1978-1979 Eastern Estate Tea Co 1914-1917 Ezra Sound Co 1983-1985 Joe's Billiard Parlor 1936-1944 New York Bakery 1913 Rutland Clothing Co 1927-1934 Rutland Shoe Shine Parlors & Billiard Rm 1920-1926 Swanson Music Store 1981-1982 Wilson Boys & Students Store 1957-1960 Wilson Sports Equipment 1946-1955 Wilson's Boys & Students Store, Inc 1957-1960 38 Center Street
Commercial Credit Corp 1967-1977 Dorothy's Bakery 1940 Eisig, M, Tailor 1889-1892 5
Essential Alternatives 1981-1985 Josie Hoy Millinery 1920-1933 Louis Cereghino Confectionery 1914-1917 Vermont State Employment Service 1936-1937 Wilson Boys & Students Store 1957-1960 Wilson Sports Equipment 1942-1955 Concor International Ltd 19 2 Darwin Green Advertising Agen Dawson, Mrs. Ruth A., Chri5tian
Deter Security 1985 Doud, Mrs. Eva 1927-1930 Douglas Creative Hairstyling Equifax, Inc 1982 Fair Haven Outlet Inc 1973-197 GE Apparatus Dept 1947-1969 GE Pwr Dist & Dist Sale Di
1
Green, George W 1922-1926 Guido's Tailor Shop 1985 Guyette Realty 1969 Hanrahan, John D, MD 1887-19" Hitchcock, William 1923-1935 Holistic Health Center 19 ') Holmes, B.J. 1982 Ingerson, Clayton 1928 Killington Credit Bureau. Inc 1 L&F Construction 1974-1977 LaFrance, Charles 1913 Lazarra, Michael 1979 Loyal Order of Moose 1913-1915 McKay, T.W., Smokers' Artie e5 Miner, Burrill H. 1932-1933 Neary, George W., accountan Nelson, Nancy 1983 NET&T Construction Dep NET&T Plant Engineering Noble, J. Fred 1916-1917 Norfolk Electric Co. 195':::­ ~
O'Brien, Francis J .. pub c a.('l("(JuDl
Parent, Thomas 192u P05~ Paul, D.C., Tailor 1916- 9 -
Pecor, Frank, contractor Peisch, Archibald ~1. Comp Phillips, Michael 1926 Planned Parenthood 1976-L-­ Radigan, Joseph 1969-1974 Reynolds, Clarence, Contrac or Richmond's Beauty Supply 194­
Riley, H.M., chiropractor 19~3 T
The New York Fruit Market was located at 38 Center Street
in the early 20th Century. It also sold homemade ice cream.
38 lh Center Street (2 nd , ard , 4th Floors)
Alexander, M. Preston, dental lab 1951-1954 Automobile Legal Association 1960-1967 Baray, Jonathan Hair Design 1985 Barhart Realty 1969 Benson, Frank 1920 Benson, T.N. 1916-1917 Brown, Arthur 1920-1934 Burns, Mrs. Grace D 1929-1934 Canty, Dennis J, undertaker 1920-1934 Cereghino, Louis 1916-1917 Champlain Valley Work & Training Program 1976-1981 Champlin, Mrs. Lillian 1935 Childseekers 1985 Clark, James, Lawyer 1916 6
)
L914-1917 ce 1936-1937 957-1960 L955 :vas located at 38 Center Street
llso sold homemade ice cream.
, Floors)
1951-1954 )60-1967 S5 ~0-1934
Ig Program
6
1976-1981 Concor International Ltd 1982 Darwin Green Advertising Agency 1947-1958 Dawson, Mrs. Ruth A., Christian Science Practitioner 1965-1968 Deter Security 1985 Doud, Mrs. Eva 1927-1930 Douglas Creative Hairstyling 1981-1984 Equifax, Inc 1982 Fair Haven Outlet Inc 1973-1974 GE Apparatus Dept 1947-1969 GE Pwr Dist & Dist Sales Div 1971-1974 Green, George W 1922-1926 Guido's Tailor Shop 1985 Guyette Realty 1969 Hanrahan, John D, MD 1887-1923 Hitchcock, William 1923-1935 Holistic Health Center 1982 Holmes, B.J. 1982 Ingerson, Clayton 1928 Killington Credit Bureau, Inc 1968-1971 L&F Construction 1974-1977 LaFrance, Charles 1913 Lazarra, Michael 1979 Loyal Order of Moose 1913-1915 McKay, T.W., Smokers' Articles 1914-1915 Miner, Burrill H. 1932-1933 Neary, George W., accountant 1958 Nelson, Nancy 1983 NET&T Construction Dept 1947-1954 NET&T Plant Engineering 1947-1952 Noble, J. Fred 1916-1917 Norfolk Electric Co. 1958-1960 O'Brien, Francis J., public accountant 1947 Parent, Thomas 1928 (possibly a barber at Berwick Hotel) Paul, D.C., Tailor 1916-1917 Pecor, Frank, contractor 1913 Peisch, Archibald M. Company 1971 Phillips, Michael 1926 Planned Parenthood 1976-1977 Radigan, Joseph 1969-1974 Reynolds, Clarence, Contractor 1933-1934 Richmond's Beauty Supply 1947 Riley, H.M., chiropractor 1983 7
Risk, Deborah L., psychologist 1981 Rock Wool Home Insulation 1947 Royce, E.B. 1914 Rutland Fair Association 1951-1960 Silisky, Joseph, accountant 1969-1971 Spellman, J. Dyer, lawyer 1914-1915 Storm, Thomas 1935 Sunshine Natural Foods 1978 Swohn, Gustave H. 1929-1930 Tri-State Credit Bureau 1966-1967 Tucker, Frank, general contractor 1947-1967 Urban Youth Center 1973-1974 US Armed Forces Induction Office 1944-1946 US Army Recruiting Office 1941 US Army Recruiting & Induction Office 1942 US Forest Service 1936-1942 Vermont Lumber Corp 1947 Veterans Assistance Office 1985 VT Retail Grocers Assn. 1969-1974 WAC Recruiting Office 1944-1946 White, Addie 1913 WPA Immigration Copying Project 1940 40 Center Street AW. Goddard Hardware Co. 1913-1914 AE. Leonard, Milliner 1920 Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co, The Great 1922 Dalton Restaurant 1940-1941 Electrolux 1969 Jones & King Milliners 1917 Little Big Store 1973-1977 Mardi Gras circa.1976 The Acme Cafe 1936-1939 The Dogwood 1984-1985 The Emperor of Ice Cream 1981-1982 The Fruitland 1924-1933 The Sound Barrier 1985-1991 Thomas Mangan, Lawyer 1967 Wasik's Cafe 1982-1983 Wilson Boys & Students Store 1957-1960 Wilson Sports Equipment 1942-1955 8
Photo of the Richard
Bob Shannon owned the Riel:
the late 1970's. He bought the 1
central office space while he m
area movie theaters which incl
Plaza Cinema at the Rutland P
Mall, the Fort Warren Drive-Ir
"Entertainment Enterprises". After purchasing the Richar
luxury apartment, commonly r,
fourth floor and resided there j
The apartment was spacious,
white shag carpeting through(
living room had (10) eight-foe
,
")
Photo of the Richardson Building taken in 1976.
1
{
Bob Shannon owned the Richardson Building from the early to
the late 1970's. He bought the building based on the need for a
central office space while he owned and managed several Rutland
area movie theaters which included the Grand, the Paramount, the
Plaza Cinema at the Rutland Plaza, Studio I & II at the Rutland
Mall, the Fort Warren Drive-In and others under the name of
"Entertainment Enterprises".
Mter purchasing the Richardson Building, Bob Shannon built a
luxury apartment, commonly referred to as "The Penthouse", on the
fourth floor and resided there for a period of time during the 1970's.
The apartment was spacious, split level, and featured 1970's style
white shag carpeting throughout. A large 27 by 36-foot open area
living room had (10) eight-foot high windows and a 15-foot high
9
ceiling with no structural supports in the center. With its hardwood
floor and grand piano, the "Penthouse" soon became a popular
gathering place for parties and dancing in a club-like atmosphere,
and was known as THE place to go. There were three raised-level
bedrooms, a bath with sunken tub and sauna, a dining room and a
narrow step-down kitchen.
Faced with Shannon's financi
the Rutland Savings Bank ore
building went back to the forme
Robert L. Accavallo, a partner:
Associates. In 1979 the buildin
and Star Enterprises, companie;:,
and her daughter Bizia liyed ill
five years.
Penthouse Apartment - Living room and dining room areas.
An incandescent light fixture with a circular-shaped stained glass
globe depicting the MGM Studio lion logo was installed in the
ceiling. The fourth floor could be reached by an elevator that
Shannon had installed. Two eight foot high mahogany doors,
retrieved from the Paramount Theater basement, provided entry to
the apartment upon exiting the elevator. The glass panels on the
doors were inscribed in gold leaf "38 1;2 Center Street" and "The
Penthouse". The elevator was locked out at the third floor with
limited access to the 4th floor. It has since been taken out of service. A
new elevator for the building is in the planning stage, contingent on
additional funding. Black and white marble panels forming the
lower front facade of the building are chipped, broken and loose from
years of service and are also scheduled for replacement.
10
The master bedroo
Bizia was five when the famil: Il
friend Jen Cullen were neighbo :
in the Center Street commercia 4
own theatre company, practiced ~
in a large office space on the ­
also created their own greeting c
10 years. Living at the Richar 5
Bizia, a memorable experience
Barbara Holmes used the our
workshops and massage wor-;;
e center. With its hardwood
500n became a popular
in a club-like atmosphere,
ere \\""ere three raised-level
"5auna. a dining room and a
)U5e"
circular-shaped stained glass
\\""as installed in the
_,­ an elevator that
mahogany doors,
U<L."-t:'lllent. provided entry to
'" ass panels on the
ter Street-and "The
. d floor with
t of service. A
e. contingent on
eLs forming the
-en and loose from
Faced with Shannon's financial losses from his movie businesses,
the Rutland Savings Bank foreclosed on his mortgage, and the
building went back to the former owners, Clement J. Abatiell and
Robert L. Accavallo, a partnership known as Creative Management
Associates. In 1979 the building was sold to Holmeswood Investment
and Star Enterprises, companies owned by Barbara Holmes. Barbara
and her daughter Bizia lived in the penthouse apartment for about
five years.
The master bedroom in the "Penthouse".
Bizia was five when the family moved into the building. She and her
friend J en Cullen were neighbors and the only children being raised
in the Center Street commercial district. Together they formed their
own theatre company, practiced after school, and held performances
in a large office space on the third floor. As young entrepreneurs they
also created their own greeting card business that lasted for nearly
10 years. Living at the Richardson was unique and impressive for
Bizia, a memorable experience that she will always value.
Barbara Holmes used the fourth floor area to hold solar energy
workshops and massage workshops. Her principal business, known
11 as Essential Alternatives, was one of the first futon manufacturers in
the country. Truckloads of bales of cotton would arrive from Boston,
be tossed down the stairs to the basement, and later turned into
futon mattresses. Judy Palfey of Commercial Building Services, who
was retained by Barbara to clean the apartment, remembers her as a
person who insisted on cleanliness and was a woman who
personified beauty. Elegance and spaciousness prevailed.
.
During her 1979 to 1985 tenure at the Richardson, Barbara recalls
several colorful tenants including "Mardi Gras" at 40 Center Street,
a cabaret with entertainment owned and operated by Bob Shannon.
economic time. They tried to a
Barbara was open to new busines'
of her business tenants.
Following Barbara's departure
the fourth floor apartment 'aE
Sanborn and Tim Kane who di
in what was described as a - .
Kane, was the building m ag r.
Carol Macleod was a b· ::- e,=o e
to 1985 where she 0
ed
business that she had p~ as
relocated her one-of-a- -- d ~ ­
space on the first oor 0
with 2000 square feet 0 oor s a
On 30 May 19"5 Star En erprL"E
Ellison C. Lieberman of Woods
Lieberman wa a book design.
Lieberman owned and operated
commercial art gallery in YermO!
building on the recommendation (
of upgrading the building to im!
Street area. A new marquee ~
upgraded. Mrs. Lieberman recall :
boys climbing up a fire escape to
Halloween parade. ~lr. Liebermar
mounting to the point where
property. On 24 ~Iarch 1995 hE
Building to the Paramount Cenre.
month later on 19 April 1995.
co
Mardi Gras Cabaret, 40 Center Street. Bartender is Wally Sabatka.
o
'"'"
:I:
>­
Z
There was also the "The Emperor of Ice Cream", a restaurant and
coffee shop complete with poetry readings, owned and operated by
Wayne Turiansky from 1981-1982, and his successors, Kathie and
Karol Wasik from West Rutland who took over the business',
followed by Wasik's Cafe from 1982-1983. Kathie Wasik married
Billy Comstock who had a storefront music business, Ezra Sound, at
36 Center Street for many years and practiced with his band in the
basement.
Many small businesses started on the ground floor. Storeowners
were extremely motivated to be successful during a difficult
12
Z
o
z
Bob Shannon
Owner: 1975-1979
of the first futon manufacturers in
~ cotton would arrive from Boston,
basement, and later turned into
ommercial Building Services, who
b.e apartment, remembers her as a
mess and was a woman who
spaciousness prevailed.
:it the Richardson, Barbara recalls
·~Iardi Gras" at 40 Center Street,
~d and operated by Bob Shannon.
economic time. They tried to attract the public by being creative.
Barbara was open to new business ventures and was very supportive
of her business tenants.
Following Barbara's departure from the building in the mid 1980's
the fourth floor apartment was then rented to Tom Joyce, Jeff
Sanborn and Tim Kane who did their own cleaning and maintenance
in what was described as a "high traffic" area. Tim's father, Tom
Kane, was the building manager.
Carol Macleod was a business tenant at 38 Center Street from 1983
to 1985 where she owned and operated Essential Alternatives, a
business that she had purchased from Barbara Holmes. Carol then
relocated her one-of-a-kind gift shop with 800 square feet of floor
space on the first floor to its present location at 22 Center Street
with 2000 square feet of floor space.
On 30 May 1985 Star Enterprises sold the building to Frank J. and
Ellison C. Lieberman of Woodstock, Vermont for $187,500. Frank
Lieberman was a book designer and typographer and Ellison
Lieberman owned and operated Gallery 2 in Woodstock, the first
commercial art gallery in Vermont. The Liebermans purchased the
building on the recommendation of their tax advisor with the intent
of upgrading the building to improve the aesthetics of the Center
Street area. A new marquee was installed and plumbing was
upgraded. Mrs. Lieberman recalls minor incidents of vandalism by
boys climbing up a fire escape to the roof of the building during the
Halloween parade. Mr. Lieberman became ill and medical bills were
mounting to the point where it became necessary to sell the
property. On 24 March 1995 the Liebermans sold the Richardson
Building to the Paramount Center, Inc for $170,000. Frank died one
month later on 19 April 1995.
reet. Bartender is Wally Sabotka.
r of Ice Cream", a restaurant and
readings, owned and operated by
• and his successors, Kathie and
d who took over the business;
982 -1983. Kathie Wasik married
fit music business, Ezra Sound, at
d practiced with his band in the
· ,o-e ground floor. Storeowners
~ . '~3sf.Jl during a difficult
,. ,
.
~
.
.
:11
c:
r
(')
\.-: .A
.) Bob Shannon
Owner: 1975-1979
a'" "I'
.:~,..
~ ~'l~
'"
o
I
~
'"
'"s:
:»
z
.,....
",.,(.
o"·~
:p'i; «>..
, ),o,·Qc
0o
\ o~~ti(JiJ FJc.oO.i:l '. .
,~~., ..oo·c' ooo"}'oo;,­
.'
c(.'
.0,'_"
.,' ~.t. ~oo
.Co
''''''
'('0<.1"
/I
. ·r·'
......Q~)oo . .:o. Q~.J;O'
,,:, __.,.o~' .o..Ofl~~~
.- o~o:qOJ.o,loC;r.:
Barbara Holmes
Owner: 1979-1985
13
Ellison Lieberman
Owner: 1985-1995
Bibliography
In the late 1980's and early 1990's architectural and feasibility
studies were conducted to determine the feasibility of uniting the
Paramount and Richardson Building to provide modern amenities
with a fully restored historic theatre and to provide for future
expansion.
The Richardson Building was one of the filming locations for the
1996 action movie "Diamond Run" directed by Rutland's own David
Giancola.
In 1999 Developer Damian Zamias donated $70,000 to the
Paramount Theatre toward purchase of the Richardson Building.
The Richardson Building presently has four front entrances from
Center Street:
36
Night Owl Gallery and Moon Brook Gallery of Art
38
Paramount Box Office
38 1;2 Stairway to the 2nd Floor of the Richardson Building
The Brick Box
40
In March 2006 Crossroads Arts Council, a local arts and
entertainment organization, was poised and ready to merge some of
their programs with the Paramount Theatre. Crossroads was
prepared to lease space on the second floor of the Richardson
Building. The Paramount had agreed to provide them with free
office space for one year. Crossroads disbanded however leaving the
Paramount with three newly renovated rooms for lease.
One of these rooms, known as the Fred Bagley Room, is currently
used for board meetings. Two additional rest rooms have also been
provided on the second floor for use by balcony patrons. Access to the
second floor is by a stairway from 38
Center Street, from the
Paramount Administration Office, or from the theatre balcony.
Further renovations to the third and fourth floors are anticipated
to fully utilize the building. Renovation work is currently on hold
pending receipt of grant monies, donations, or other resources to
provide the necessary funding. Completion dates are unknown at
this time.
A new space measuring 20 feet by 45 feet, the former Mardi Gras
and more recently the Volunteer Usher Corps Room, has been
developed for use by smaller audiences and is called the "Brick Box".
This area is accessible from the Paramount Box Office at 38 Center
Street or from the front entrance at 40 Center Street.
14
Barbara Holmes Briggs, former owner
Bizia Greene, Barbara Holmes' daugh
Bob Shannon, former owner and tenar
Carol :Macleod, Essential Alternatives
Ellison Lieberman, former owner ofRi
Harold Loomis, carpenter
Jeff SanbornlI'im Kanefrom Joyce, fOJ
John W. Berryhill, architect
Judy Palfey, custodian
Kent Maxfield, Deter Security
Rutland City Clerk's Office
Rutland City Directories, 1886 to 1985
Rutland Herald, 19 July 1985
Rutland Seasons, Summer 1988
Rutland Weekly Herald, 5 & 26 March
The Historic Architecture ofRutland (
Tom O'Brien, Paramount Technical D
Warranty Deed Holders of the Ricl
DATE
13 Mar 1884
BOOK PAGE
294
45
GRANT
C.L. LOI
18 Jul1912
26
498
Addie R
30 Jun 1913
31
71
Lewis
01 Jan 1955
100
100
134
135
MaeHo'
MaeHo'
23 Nov 1957
107
107
107
151
152
153
MaeHo'
MaeHo'
MaeHo'
13 Aug 1964
124
118
Thomas
John/Pa
04 Apr1975
78
64
Rutland
10 .Jun 1977
196
423
Foreclos
13.Jan 1978
197
111
Robert]
01 Mar 1979
204
645
Clemen1
11 May 1984
236
703
Holmes'
30 May 1985
245
622
Star En
24 Mar 1995
343
705
FrankIE
~
Bibliography
)90's architectural and feasibility
line the feasibility of uniting the
ing to provide modern amenities
.eatre and to provide for future
le of the filming locations for the
, directed by Rutland's own David
:amias donated $70,000 to the
lse of the Richardson Building.
tly has four front entrances from
md Moon Brook Gallery of Art
~e
Barbara Holmes Briggs, former owner and tenant of Richardson Bldg
Bizia Greene, Barbara Holmes' daughter and former tenant
Bob Shannon, former owner and tenant of Richardson Bldg
Carol Macleod, Essential Alternatives
Ellison Lieberman, former owner of Richardson Bldg
Harold Loomis, carpenter
Jeff SanborntI'im KanetI'om Joyce, former residents
John W. Berryhill, architect
Judy Palfey, custodian
Kent Maxfield, Deter Security
Rutland City Clerk's Office
Rutland City Directories, 1886 to 1985
Rutland Herald, 19 July 1985
Rutland Seasons, Summer 1988
Rutland Weekly Herald, 5 & 26 March 1885, 23 April 1885
The Historic Architecture ofRutland County, 1988
Tom O'Brien, Paramount Technical Director
li'loor of the Richardson Building
Warranty Deed Holders of the Richardson BuildingIHowley Block
u-ts Council, a local arts and
loised and ready to merge some of
nount Theatre. Crossroads was
second floor of the Richardson
19reed to provide them with free
.ds disbanded however leaving the
vated rooms for lease.
le Fred Bagley Room, is currently
litional rest rooms have also been
e by balcony patrons. Access to the
om 38 1;2 Center Street, from the
or from the theatre balcony.
l and fourth floors are anticipated
>vation work is currently on hold
donations, or other resources to
~ompletion dates are unknown at
by 45 feet, the former Mardi Gras
!r Usher Corps Room, has been
~nces and is called the "Brick Box".
aramount Box Office at 38 Center
:it 40 Center Street.
4
DATE
13 Mar 1884
BOOK PAGE
45
294
GRANTOR (SELLER)
C.L. Long
GRANTEE (BUYER)
George Richardson
Addie Richardson
Patrick F Howley
18 Jul 1912
26
498
30 Jun 1913
31
71
Lewis Martel
PFHowley
01 Jan 1955
100
100
134
135
Mae Howley
Mae Howley
Patricia Rehfuss
Thomas Howley
23 Nov 1957
107
107
107
151
152
153
Mae Howley
Mae Howley
Mae Howley
John Rehfuss
Jean Howley
Patricia Rehfuss
13 Aug 1964
124
118
Thomas/Jean Howley
JohnlPatricia Rehfuss
Creative Management
Associates
04 Apr1975
78
64
Rutland Savings Bank
AbatielllAccavallo
10 Jun 1977
196
423
Foreclosure
Docket No. S208-77Rc
13 Jan 1978
197
111
Robert L Accavallo
Clement J Abatiell
01 Mar 1979
204
645
Clement J. Abatiell
Holmeswood
Investment
11 May 1984
236
703
Holmeswood Investment
Star Enterprises
30 May 1985
245
622
Star Enterprises
Frank J. Lieberman
Ellison Lieberman
24 Mar 1995
343
705
FranklEllison Lieberman
Paramount Center Inc
15
Entry doors to 4th floor penthouse apartment
at 38 1/2 Center Street.