AP 3 lays out design, timeline for Ashland conference center tied to Paramount

AP 3 representatives on Thursday presented diagrammatic renderings and a design-development schedule for a proposed conference center to be located next to the Paramount Arts Center, saying the build would be connected to but not alter the theater's historic interior.

Sam Howard, speaking for AP 3, said the design package the commission received is roughly 50% complete and that the firm expects the 50% approval package "by mid January." He described the drawings as "diagrammatic" and warned finishes and colors are not final. Howard said the project was scaled back from an earlier, larger proposal after review of revenue streams and costs and that the conference center would be "accretive to the Paramount, and it will be complimentary."

AP 3 walked commissioners through floor plans showing flexible meeting rooms on the first floor separated by movable partitions, a second-floor ballroom divisible into sections, a third-floor kitchen to keep noise away from meeting space, and an oversized freight elevator to move exhibits between levels. On the relationship to the Paramount, AP 3 said fire barriers would separate the new center from the theater so that a sprinkler system would not be required inside the Paramount "and ruin the murals you have," a point AP 3 framed as a protection for the building's historic fabric.

Why it matters: the city purchased the Paramount earlier this year and is weighing both construction of a conference center and how the theater will be run going forward. AP 3 said its design aims to preserve the Paramount’s character while adding meeting space and support functions (a dedicated cafe, back-of-house areas and improved ADA access) designed for conference programming.

AP 3 provided a schedule of milestones: 50% design near mid-January; interior exploratory demolition (to assess hidden structure and foundations) after the Festival of Trees and Trains; 100% documents ready for bid by June–July (so construction bidding can begin); and a projected construction completion and turnover to the city in November 2027. AP 3 said state code and historic reviews (codes and Heritage Council/CRIC) typically take about 60–75 days after a full set is submitted and said it will pursue site and foundation submissions so some below-grade work can begin while reviews proceed.

Commissioners asked about vertical circulation and accessibility. Howard said operator input will guide final choices about escalators, stairs and elevator placement, and that the team will pursue an ADA-compliant path between the street, the conference center and Paramount seating levels. On building systems, AP 3 said the Paramount’s HVAC requires major work; engineers are assessing upgrades, and AP 3 confirmed the city has inquired about state convention-center funds to assist with those upgrades.

What’s next: AP 3 said it will return with design updates and formal approvals at 50% and 90% design stages and that the city and public will have opportunities to review bid documents. The commission did not take a final vote on construction on Thursday; AP 3 asked the city to continue routine updates on the design schedule and approvals.

Representative quotes used in this story are drawn from the commission meeting transcript; all attributions match named speakers in the record.