Abstract
Formerly known as the New Grand Movie Theater, the Paramount, and eventually the Empire, this Grand Forks theater now presents films and stage productions
Administrative/Biographical History
The New Grand movie theater opened on November 10, 1919, and was located at 415 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks. In the 1930s it became part of the Paramount-Publix chain, and rechristened The Paramount. In 1954, the theater was remodeled and renamed the Empire. According to Cliff Knoll, then general manager of the Paramount, the name Empire was taken from the development of a new empire of oil, land development, and industry. The Empire closed due to poor attendance and was opened as a 99 cent movie theater on July 17, 1987. In 1994, it was scheduled to become a first run movie house again, but in April this plan was abandoned and the theater was closed. Later that year renovations were undertaken again to bring the Empire back to life. These renovations encountered some setbacks due to the Flood of 1997. The project continued nonetheless, and the Empire Arts Center reopened on March 27, 1998.
