An Opportunity
The Pantages Theatre is for Sale
The historic Pantages Theatre is at imminent risk. The Pantages is one of Vancouver’s three historic theatres that face an uncertain future.
The current owner inspired the community with his ideas to restore and reopen the Theatre. After investing three years in the project the owner has put the Theatre up for sale.
The For Sale sign means the owner and the City of Vancouver were unable to reach an agreement. This creates an opportunity to build on three years of groundwork and avoid losing the theatre to demolition or neglect.
Opportunities
- The City of Vancouver could buy and restore the theatre and operate it as a publicly owned facility.
- The City of Vancouver could buy or option the theatre and collaborate with the community to find a proposal that works.
- A new buyer with an interest in taking over the project could purchase the property.
Letter from the Pantages Theatre Arts Society
Letter from Community Arts Council of Vancouver
Letter from Heritage Vancouver
View related news
Dear Mayor Sullivan and Councilors,
Re: The Pantages Theatre
Heritage Vancouver has long supported the retention and restoration of Vancouver’s Pantages Theatre, the oldest remaining Pantages Theatre in North America and western Canada’s oldest vaudeville theatre.
(More…)
Mayor Sam Sullivan and Members of Council
Vancouver City Hall
453 West 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4
Dear Mayor Sullivan and City Councillors:
I am writing with deep concern about the future of the Pantages Theatre. The Pantages is the last remaining theatre in what was the hub of a vibrant theatre district in the early decades of the twentieth century. Not only is the Pantages an important cultural heritage treasure, the Pantages Project is an essential part of the future of a revitalized Hastings Street. Indeed, the proposed Pantages Project, consisting of the restored theatre and affordable housing, exemplifies the type of development appropriate for Hastings Street and for other parts of the Downtown Eastside.
(More…)
Dear Friends,
After 38 months working together to restore the Pantages Theatre, I have to report some unfortunate news. The last round of negotiations between the owner of the theatre and the City of Vancouver did not achieve the results we had hoped.
After spending considerable money to hold and maintain the building and adjoining properties (necessary for a fully-functioning and modern theatre), the owner has been forced to put all of the properties up for sale. The FOR SALE signs are now posted. We presume this irreplaceable heritage and community structure will be destroyed.
While this decision is unfortunate in terms of what we have been attempting to achieve over the countless meetings we have held, I respect the owner’s decision.
(More…)
From the Pantages Theatre Arts Society
This year marks the Centennial of the opening of Vancouver’s Pantages Theatre. One century ago, it stood for everything that was beautiful, new and exciting in theatre. Today, the Pantages remains all of that, – and it has also become a beacon of change and hope in the Downtown Eastside.
With the support of the City, the Pantages will be fully restored as the dazzler it once was and upgraded to modern technical standards. It has a superb acoustic, seats 650, and will offer new lobbies, a rehearsal studio, an enlarged pit, and every modern amenity. It will be restored with meticulous attention to its irreplaceable heritage value. And it will be managed in the public interest by the non-profit Pantages Theatre Arts Society on a long-term lease from its developer.
If you believe that live theatre will make a difference in the Downtown Eastside, please tell City Council. If you believe that Western Canada’s oldest theatre deserves to be saved and restored, please tell City Council. If your own company in music, dance, theatre, film, video, whatever your art may be, believes that you need and would use such a theatre, please tell City Council.
(More…)