BOSTON-The Boston Redevelopment Authority has approved Emerson College's plans to redevelop the landmark Paramount Theater and two adjoining properties. The $70-million project will add two theaters, rehearsal rooms, student residences and restaurant space to the school's Downtown Crossing campus.

The project will also add 145,000 sf to the Arcade Building at 543-547 Washington St. and includes the construction of a 150-patron restaurant, classrooms, practice rooms, 1,900 sf of rehearsal rooms, a sound stage and theater with seating for 140. A film screening room and dormitory housing for approximately 262 Emerson students will also be constructed.

Plans also call for the renovation of the 32,000-sf Paramount Theater, which will be revamped from its original cinema use to a 550-seat live performance venue capable of supporting theatrical, dance and musical productions. The theater will be used by both Emerson and a consortium of non-profit users. The approval of the project comes just over a year after Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced that the city would partner with Emerson in the redevelopment of the Theater District.