A big transformation for a vintage movie theater in Toronto

Toronto's nearly century-old movie theater will soon be revived after decades of neglect, and locals have reason to be excited about an upcoming project that promises to transform the derelict Regent Theater into one of the city's hottest venues.

In January 2022, the aging theater was purchased by Terra Bruce Productions for $7.4 million, promising dramatic changes in the future. The company has significant ties to the Canadian entertainment scene through COO Bob Hallett, one of the founding members of the popular rock act Great Big Sea.

Initial renderings of the Regent Revival project first surfaced in 2022, sparking excitement about a design by NORR Architects with Harriri Pontarini Architects.

The theater, closed before the design was unveiled and amid rumors, was announced to reopen within two years, a window that has since passed. Even after more than two years, locals are still waiting for the long-awaited glow of the 97-year-old movie house.

So what gives? First, this is a brief history of the diamond.

Built in 1927 as a vaudeville theater and cinema for famous Canadian players, the Regent, originally called The Belsize, was designed by architect Murray Brown. Its style has changed over the years, most notably in 1950 with the modernization of leading theater architects Harold Kaplan and Abraham, reopening the same year as The Crest Theatre.

Following news of the theater's redevelopment, the city moved to designate the building under the Ontario Heritage Act, which will succeed the theater's designation in November 2022.

Meanwhile, documents submitted to the city in 2023 and additional details uploaded to the project's website include updated renderings of the project's main facade and marker, as well as other details such as backyard areas and a first-order view. in the interior of the theater.

Current plans call for retaining the existing main facade over Mount Pleasant, while the interior will be fitted with a newly excavated basement, the north, east and south walls will be replaced, a new roof will be added and up to the top deck. – lower internal repair. A small addition planned over the main theater facade will introduce new seating and a lobby area on the third floor.

A new three-storey extension of 1,076 sq m is planned to the rear of the property. It takes the form of a house that blends in with its surroundings, concealing its use as a new rear theater and loading area.

A rendering shared on the project's website offers a first look at what the restored auditorium will look like after renovations, with warm wood finishes and sweeping curves.

Terra Bruce Productions promises to use the theater as a base to present new Canadian musical theater productions, doubling as a venue the project team boasts “year-round programming including concerts, cabarets, films, circus and children's programming.” “This will not be a night club,” he emphasized.

The project has been warmly received by city officials, although shovels are still a few steps away from hitting the ground.

A full application notice was submitted for the project in March 2023, where the application meets the city's minimum application requirements. However, more than a year later, with a notice of approval conditions and a statement of approval pending from city planners, things remain the same.

A post shared on the Weird Toronto Facebook group over the weekend shows how the theater owners are keeping the community up to date with the plans, with the caption, “Coming Soon: Not Condo.”

Lead photo

NORR/Hariri Pontarini via City of Toronto