The Paramount Theater has been sold to an unidentified buyer

An iconic building in downtown Springfield officially has a new owner. 22 News reporter Claire Overton joins us live in studio with what this means for the city. Ciara, the Paramount Theater, which was recently added to Springfield's Most Endangered Historic Resources list, has been sold to an unidentified buyer. The buyer met the minimum bid of $750,000 on Wednesday night to end the online auction. The previous owner, New England Farm Workers Council, had a renovation plan and received some state funding, but ultimately, due to a few reasons as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, the plan fell through and they owed the state just under $2 million. Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno would love to see someone give the historic building a little love. So if it's something that's viable, something that's conducive for the area, something that makes sense and is fiscally responsible and does not put a tremendous drain on governmental money use, of course my administration would be open to considering or pardon the pun, entertaining what a developer he or she might put forward. Due to the conditions on the inside, it is no lie that it will take a lot of money to renovate the building. Mayor Sarno says he will be waiting to hear from the developer to see what they are planning. It is unknown when we will find out who the buyer is, but stay with 22 News to hear the latest information about this sale. Working for you, Claire Overton, 22 News.