COLONY THEATER The landmark Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach opened in 1934, and was built for the Paramount Movie Studios chain. It is a glorious example of the Art Deco style, and one of the city's best-known examples of that style of architecture. In its early years it was home to Paramount movie premiers such as “Lawrence of Arabia,” and “The Sound of Music.” In 1960, the theatre was reconfigured with its entrance moved toward Lenox Avenue’s corner and became part of the new Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall that was designed by Morris Lapidus. After decades serving as a movie house, the Colony was renovated again in 1976 for the performing arts and later on added a new lobby and café to its indoor space. Now owned by the City of Miami Beach, It is presently undergoing restoration again at a cost of over $6 million by R. J. Heisenbottle Architects, PA of Coral Gables, FL. The restoration today will return the theater to its original state as well as respect it historical integrity. The new interior will boast a larger stage house, additional lighting and state of the art theatrical rigging and sound systems. It will also have a new crew lounge, dressing rooms, elevators and new seating and finishes. Richard Heisenbottle will revive the original 1930’s design on the façade and lobby entrance through a complete and accurate historical restoration. The theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of South Florida's most popular entertainment venues, the Colony now hosts a wide variety of cultural arts programs, such as concerts, dance, opera, comedy acts and film festivals, in particular, the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival every March. The theater will now be ready to host more technically sophisticated productions and is scheduled to open in 2006.