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 old theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was located in the Downtown Eastside area of the city. This theatre first opened its doors in 1907. It started as a place for "vaudeville" shows, which were popular performances with different acts like singing, dancing, and comedy. Later, it became a movie theatre.
Sadly, the Pantages Theatre became empty after 1994. Its roof eventually collapsed, and the building was torn down in 2011. Many people thought it was the oldest vaudeville theatre still standing in Western Canada. The theatre and other buildings nearby were removed to make way for a new housing complex called Sequel 138.
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A Theatre's Journey: From Vaudeville to Movies
The Pantages Theatre was built by a man named Alexander Pantages in 1907. He was a well-known theatre owner. In the 1920s, the theatre changed from showing live vaudeville acts to playing movies.
Over the years, the theatre had many different names. It was known as the Royal, State, Queen, Avon, and City Nights. For a long time, it was a Chinese-language movie theatre called Sun Sing. It stayed open under this name until it finally closed in 1994. After that, the building remained empty until it was demolished.
The Fate of a Heritage Building
The Pantages Theatre was considered a very important historic building. It was even listed on Heritage Canada's 2009 list of the Top Ten Most Endangered Places. It was also recognized as a heritage building on the Vancouver Heritage Register. This meant it was a special building worth protecting.
In 2008, there was a plan to fix up the old theatre. The idea was to restore its 650 seats and add other spaces like an art gallery and new homes. However, on September 30, 2008, the Vancouver City Council decided not to approve this plan. After the city said no to the restoration, the entire half-block where the theatre stood was put up for sale.
Sadly, after the city's decision, the theatre's roof collapsed. This happened because years of rain and water had collected on it. Eventually, the old building couldn't hold up anymore. A new building called Sequel 138 was then built on the site. This new project includes 76 condominium units and 18 social housing rental units.
Another Pantages Theatre in Vancouver
Did you know there was a second Pantages Theatre built in the same area? Construction on this second theatre started in 1914 at 20 West Hastings Street. However, it wasn't finished until 1917 or 1918 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. Unlike the first Pantages, this theatre was torn down much earlier, in 1967. A parking lot was built in its place.
See also
