Regent Theatre (Toronto)
The Regent Theatre is an art deco cinema in Toronto, Ontario.[1] On May 2, 2017, Toronto City Council designated the cinema a heritage structure.
The cinema opened in 1927, and operated under several names.[2] From 1927 to 1950 it operated as the Belsize. In 1950 it was renovated, and reopened as a venue for live theatre. In 1968 it was returned to showing movies, under its most recent name, the Regent.
Local city councilor Josh Matlow was active, for years, to prevent the site being demolished, or repurposed.[3] Those fighting for preservation saw the property purchased by Terra Bruce organization, who partially demolished the site, to deal with earlier generations of renovations, that were poorly done. When re-opened in 2024 the venue will once again be suitable for live theatre, with new dressing rooms added in an addition to the building's rear.
References
- ↑ Mt. Pleasant, Regent given heritage status by T&EY Council, South Bayview Bulldog, 2017-05-02. Retrieved on 2023-12-26.
- ↑ Doug Taylor (2014). Toronto Theaters and the Golden Age of the Silver Screen. The History Press, 112-113. ISBN 9781626194502.
- ↑ A Brief History of Toronto’s Regent Theatre — And a Peek Into its Future, Storeys, 2022-10-04. Retrieved on 2023-12-26. “Once completed, the space is expected to include a cafe, lounge, and public meeting space, in addition to spaces dedicated to theatre, music, and cinema. In the theatre, retractable seats will allow for the area to be used for a wide variety of events. Additionally, the rear of the property will be extended so that the dressing rooms — they’re currently located below the stage — can be accommodated behind the stage for better accessibility.”