The theatre opened in 1886 and closed in 1986. The owner retained Scottish-born American architect
Thomas W. Lamb to expand and renovate the house into an ornate
movie palace in the early 20th century. The interior of the theater still stands, albeit dilapidated, and the marquee and signage remain intact. The comedian
Jerry Lewis worked as an usher at the theater in his youth. It took the name "Paramount" circa 1930.
Billie Holiday performed there. The theatre's facade, slightly adjusted during production to read "New Art," appeared as the movie theater in front of which
Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck worked as an advertising clown in the 2019
Todd Phillips film
Joker. The theater's roof collapsed in 2021. ==References==