Demolition at the Pantages Theatre site. Courtesy: David Jacklin
Sad news about the Pantages Theatre in Downtown Eastside today.
The City of Vancouver has confirmed that demolition permits have been issued for the 104-year-old theatre and adjacent buildings at 130, 132, 134 and 138 East Hastings, just west of the Carengie Community Centre.
Several engineering reports have confirmed what most already knew: the building is falling apart and is unsalvagable. Water has been leaking through a large hole in the roof of the theatre for several years now, destroying what was left of many of the heritage features.
Besides the unfortunate loss of Canada’s oldest remaining vaudeville theatre, starting next week there will be another large empty parcel of land in the Downtown Eastside. Except this vacant piece of land will be at a very vulnerable location – half a block from Hastings and Main.
The city says there are currently no development plans for the site, so get ready for another community garden or tent city.
I presume the owner is awaiting the outcome of the Historic Area Height Review, which is the subject of intense resistance by neighbourhood activists. The review would allow developers to build taller buildings in the DTES and Chinatown.
The Pantages Theatre and the adjacent buildings have been owned since 2005 by Edmonton-based Worthington Properties, who primarily specialize in commercial developments.
For several years, Worthington attempted to sell the land assembly back to the City of Vancouver, with a plan to restore the original theatre and build 120 units of social housing on the site.
The City of Vancouver turned the developer down on more than one occasion, and the property has been for sale as a “land assembly” for the past couple of years.
Next week, the Pantages Theatre and all of its history will be wiped out, and another vacant lot will line East Hastings Street.
The “Save the Pantages” group along with Heritage Vancouver tried valiantly for years to get the city’s attention.
Unfortunately, Vancouver has lost yet another significant heritage structure due to neglect.
More information:
- Facebook group “Save the Pantages Theatre”
- Heritage Vancouver Society
- Heritage Vancouver photo gallery
Report from Global BC, Noon News Hour, April 8, 2011
Interior of the Pantages Theatre Vancouver, on East Hastings St., set to be demolished next week. Photo courtesy: Heritage Vancouver
Car owners have to be careful about parking at a supermarket parking lot around greater Vancouver. Most of these lots are patrolled by companies who have been contracted by the supermarket management to prevent nuisance or overnight parkers. When you go shopping and you do not want to park in the street because you have no coins to feed the meter, do not leave your car in that big supermarket lot because you can get a ticket. If you park at Safeway the lot is patrolled by Diamond Parking Ltd who will ticket you if you park at the Safeway lot and go somewhere else.
The best thing to do when you enter a parking lot is to LOOK UP and READ the PARKING SIGNS before you park and leave your car. It will save you from having a head ache.
Here the building is falling apart and is not salvageable. Water has been leaking through a hole in the ceiling of the room for several years, destroying what remained of many of these assets.