Gov. Baker announces $2.5 million grant for historic theater

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - The governor of Massachusetts has announced a $2.5 million grant will go toward the restoration of a historic Springfield theater.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker announced the grant inside the Paramount Theater foyer Wednesday, which will go toward the planned $41 million restoration. The Republican reports the long vacant property was purchased by the New England Farm Workers Council in 2011, and is planned to be revitalized as a 1,750-seat performing arts center and 85-room boutique hotel.

Farm Workers Council President Heriberto Flores says a new roof will be installed this fall and the exterior will be secured ahead of the winter.

Baker says the state is confident the project will be a success and will be key to revitalizing the downtown of Springfield.

___

Information from: The Springfield (Mass.) Republican, http://www.masslive.com/news/