Pantages Theatre (Vancouver) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pantages Theatre |
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The Pantages Theatre circa 1912
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| General information | |
| Type | Theatre |
| Town or city | 144-156 East Hastings St., Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Country | Canada |
| Coordinates | 49°16′52″N 123°06′04″W / 49.2811°N 123.1012°W |
| Current tenants | Worthington Properties |
| Completed | 1907 |
| Inaugurated | 1908 |
| Demolished | 2011 |
| Owner | Alexander Pantages |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Edward Evans Blackmore |
| Other designers | B. Marcus Priteca |
The Pantages Theatre was a famous building in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was located in the Downtown Eastside area. This theatre first opened in 1907. It was known for showing vaudeville acts and later movies. Vaudeville was a type of live show with many different performances. These could include music, comedy, and dance.
The Pantages Theatre was empty after 1994. Sadly, its roof fell in, and the building was taken down in 2011. It was once thought to be the oldest vaudeville theatre still standing in Western Canada. The theatre and other buildings nearby were removed. This made space for a new housing complex called Sequel 138.
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History of the Pantages Theatre
The Pantages Theatre was built by Alexander Pantages in 1907. In the 1920s, it changed from a live show theatre to a movie house. Over the years, it had several different names. Some of these names included the Royal, State, Queen, Avon, and City Nights.
Later, it became a theatre that showed movies in Chinese. It was known as the Sun Sing theatre during this time. The Sun Sing theatre closed its doors in 1994. The building then remained empty for many years until it was demolished.
Protecting a Heritage Building
The Pantages Theatre was considered a very important historical building. It was listed on Heritage Canada's 2009 list of the Top Ten Most Endangered Places. It was also on the Vancouver Heritage Register. This means it was recognized as a special building that should be protected.
In 2008, there was a plan to fix up the theatre. The idea was to restore the 650-seat theatre. The plan also included adding an art gallery and new homes. However, the Vancouver City Council did not approve this plan. After the city's decision, the entire half-block where the theatre stood was put up for sale.
The building's roof collapsed because of water collecting on it over many years. After the demolition, a new building was constructed. This new building is the Sequel 138 residential project. It has 76 condominium units and 18 social housing rental units.
Another Pantages Theatre
There was actually a second Pantages Theatre built in the same area. Its construction started in 1914. However, it was not finished until 1917 or 1918. This delay happened because of World War I.
This second theatre also had different names over time. It was known as the Beacon, the Odeon Hastings, and finally the Majestic. This theatre was taken down in 1967. A parking lot was built in its place.
See also
