Scenic views of the Fox River are among the attractions as the Paramount has reopened the Meyer Ballroom inside the North Island Center.

The Paramount Theatre has announced the reopening of the newly-renovated Meyer Ballroom, located at the North Island Center in the heart of Downtown Aurora.

After years of renting the facility to Aurora’s Hollywood Casino, the Paramount Theatre reclaimed the Meyer Ballroom in October 2014 and began renovating the space. Just four months after renovations began, the ballroom has been redone from floor to ceiling.

“We are growing tremendously every year,” says Paramount President & CEO Tim Rater, “and we are thrilled with the transformation of the ballroom.”

The space features floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of the Fox River and the historic Paramount Theatre, creating a backdrop for any event. Boasting 4,600 square feet, the ballroom is composed of three individual rooms that join to create one expansive space.

When fully expanded, the Meyer Ballroom holds a plated dining capacity of up to 330 people (280 with a dance area), a 280-person buffet dining capacity (250 with a dance area) and accommodates up to a 350-person flow party.

The space isn’t just for large get-togethers. With various possible room configurations and a host of amenities, including a modern food prep area located on-site, the ballroom is designed to meet the needs of any kind of special event: weddings, meetings, family reunions, bridal and baby showers and dinner parties.

The Meyer Ballroom is just across the hall from the Hollywood Casino, hotel accommodations are down the street and numerous restaurants are within walking distance.

The size, features and location of the ballroom mean big possibilities for the Paramount. The organization recently enjoyed massive successes with their pre-show brunch event “Pancakes with Poppins,” held in the Paramount’s Grand Gallery before Sunday matinee performances of their record-breaking production of Mary Poppins.

Rater says the organization hopes to continue expanding its pre-show brunch offerings in the ballroom for the 2015-2016 season.

The reopening of the Meyer Ballroom is just a piece of the Paramount’s launch of their event management division, Paramount Events.

In addition to overhauling the ballroom, the organization also revamped and reorganized its staff, dedicating a select group of talented event managers to take care of the ballroom and all other Paramount Events spaces, including the Paramount Theatre (1,851 seats), Copley Theatre (216 seats), Grand Gallery (550 persons), Marquee Room (100 persons) and The Atrium (200 persons).

For inquiries and details about any Paramount Events spaces, contact Bill Pope, Rentals Manager, at BillP@paramountarts.com. Information on all Paramount Events spaces can also be found at ParamountAurora.com/Rentals.

–Suburban Chronicle news sources