Capitol Theatre
204 Dundas Street,
London,
ON
N6A
204 Dundas Street,
London,
ON
N6A
3 people
favorited this theater
Showing 26 - 32 of 32 comments
The owner of the Capitol facade has agreed not to tear down any more of it for 8 months.At which time he will decide if he likes city councils bumbling progress of serving his every wish [he is very powerful and not to be crossed]The Capitol was our last movie palace downtown,now we have none left!A fair without a ferris wheel is not a proper fair.I am completely shattered and heart broken.I want to see the facade preserved but it will never be the same with a parking lot grave in the back.I wish this page could be updated to 1400 seats,opened in 1920 , architect C Howard Crane,and firm Allen theater company.I will at some point create a link with pictures.
It seemed odd to tear something down for parking and not use or even pave the the site for weeks on end.Now it makes perfect sence,you tear it down sunday feb 25 then in september bring the crane back and threaten to finish the job,do as i say or the the facade gets it.City hall council is now tripping over each other to stop Mr Farhi the destucktor from creating a gap tooth in the broken heart of downtown.He makes big demands and get a red carpet of wishes granted and the crane disapears after 4 months of sitting in one spot.
The wrecking crane is back on site the last 2 weeks faceing the hallway facade but nothing more has been smashed yet.I believe they plan to demolish at least half of the 200 foot long facade and would have already but complications arose when on june 25,part of the auditoreum fell on the building next door.The owner has since bought the store front next to the capitol facade and will now demolish both or part of them.The capitol opened in feb 1920 as the allen and was part of about 5 theatres the allen theatre company built then, useing C Howard Crane.This wonderful theatre had 1400 seats and Canadas finest pipe organ at the time.It was built as a movie theatre with the finest of everything such as heating ,air,projection and acoustics for the 18 piece orchestra.This was a very ornate theatre.It became the Capitol when Famous Players took over after Allens bankrupsy.Over the decades this theatre became known in Hollywood for its all out showmanship which is evident from the photos i will be submitting soon.
I will have pictures and info soon.
This theatre is now demolished. The developer has taken down the rear of the theatre and all that remains is an empty lot surrounded by a fence.
This theatre is now slated for possible demolition. A local developer has purchased the property and wants to demolish the rear of the building to put in a parking lot. He says he will preserve the streetfront facade only. If this does happen it will be a sad day for London as this is the last remnant of London’s golden age of movie houses.
Theatre has been closed for over two years now. Closed when the beloved Eglinton in TO did for the same reasons. Famous Players refusing to pay money to upgrade for wheelchairs. The bathrooms are on the second level. The original Silver screen is still intact in screen #1. The front speakers are above and to the sides due to the fact that is still has the ORIGINAL solid silver screen! Absolutetly beautiful ornate auditorium. Screen #2 is the balcony of the original theatre.
Hopefully somebody buys this theatre. Its sitting empy with the “temporarily closed” sign gathering dust.