Plans to redevelop and restore the historic Paramount Theatre building and neighboring parking lot in Palm Beach have undergone significant changes after the project was heavily criticized at a Town Council meeting last month.
Noting concerns about traffic, building heights and proposed uses that were raised at the Jan. 10 meeting, property owner Lester Woerner agreed to eliminate the most controversial elements of the project.
According to plans submitted to the town Monday, the project no longer will include four, multi-story townhomes that were to be built on the current parking lot, and an undergrounding parking garage with 162 spaces.
Woerner also dropped 18 of the previously requested 20 variances, leaving in place one for a roof-top generator, and one for mechanical screening to exceed the height permitted by town code.
As shown in the plans, the existing parking lot would remain, while more landscape area and landscape material would be added. Additionally, plans call for the creation of an entry way on the south façade of the existing theater building.