The computer-generated transcript of this page:
compelled an increase of admission fees under penalty of erecting a new theatre if demands were refused." In other words, 'take our offer, or we'11 build another theatre across the street, which if, of course, what they did. Quittner also stated "other theatres throughout the country plan similar action." It was his intention to institute action in Federal Court. Unfortunately, the results of the specific case is not known. Eventually, movie companies were forced to sell their theatres.
The paramount was designed by C.W. Rapp and George C. Rapp who were Chicago-based architects. Their theatre designs included the Paramount Theatres in Manhattan and Brooklyn, the metropolitan in Boston, and the Publix, and Katz Theatres in Chicago. An architect's sketch of the proposed facade was released in May, 1929. The facade, which can be seen on the Peekskill (NY) Paramount and others, was not used in Middletown. The interior, however, was a "standardized Publix Theatres (with) no innovations in theatre construction" and similar to Publix Theatres in Salem and Peekskill. Nonetheless, the building would have an "elaborate... mammoth
refrigeration system" and employ state-of-the-art technology. With its shallow stage, it was designed for movies rather than live presentations, two stores would flank the South Street entrance, and aside from demolishing the old Winters house, "no extensive plans for improving the West Main Street part of the property [were] contemplated."
In July, Netco received a temporary permit from the city which allowed demolition of buildings on the theatre property and
e foundation. Construction blueprints were filed with John A. Korschen, Commissioner of Public Works after being approved by Industrial Commission of the State Department of Labor. Filing had been delayed by negotiations between Netco and W.B. & H. Realty Co., owners of the former Borden's plants on Canal Street. Negotiations concerned use of the 3000 foot artesian well which had been used by Borden's for cooling purposes. The theatre wanted to use the well as part of the theatre's air conditioning system. It was agreed Netco would rent the well for 20 years, the "estimated life of the theatre."
Netco was granted a building permit on August 12, 1929, but not without controversy. Public Works Commissioner Korschen had denied the company a permit "because the plans failed to include provision for an asbestos curtain in accordance with the building codes of the city." Netco objected to the curta in provision "on the ground of expense entailed by necessary enlargements to the proscenium opening."
Further, architects C.W. and George L. Rapp sent the Common Council a letter from the National Board of Fire Underwriters. According to the board, the fire proof curtain could be omitted if there was no fly gallery for scenery, no dressing rooms on the stage, no flammables stored on the stage, and no moveable scenery stored on the stage. The Paramount, designed "exclusively for