Investors Seeking Financial Support for the Revitalization of Historic Theaters in the Prairie Region
Rewritten Article:
EDMONTON - Every day, David Stupnikoff, a courier service owner and show promoter, passes by the forelorn Princess Theatre, yearning for its return.
"I often find myself driving by it, and I've had friends and visitors who share fond memories of it," he reminisces. "People still wish it could come back."
Tucked between two brownstones in Edmonton's historic Old Strathcona district, it's one of a scant few early theaters still standing in Alberta. Back in 1915, the Princess beckoned patrons with promises of "high class moving pictures" and "high class" vaudeville performances.
Until 1940, it was the only movie house in south Edmonton. For a short spell in the 1970s, it showed explicit films. The theatre was closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been vacant ever since.
"It's a shame to see such an iconic building sitting idle," Stupnikoff laments.
After some brainstorming, he decided to spearhead an endeavor to revive the playhouse, focusing on providing a platform for performers and the general public to showcase a variety of acts.
At 110 years old, the Princess Theatre has seen better days. There's asbestos throughout, the plumbing is in dire need of replacement, and the third floor is a shambles. Stupnikoff claims contractors estimate it would cost $2.5 million just to prepare it for renovations.
"Financially, it's a poor investment," he admits.
Yet, Stupnikoff is undaunted. "I'd like to bring some sparkle to Whyte Avenue, even just a little bit," he says.
He started a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise an ambitious $9.2 million. He admits public funds will likely not be acquired, but private donors have expressed interest. Should they fall short, Stupnikoff assures, the funds will be donated to the Stollery Children's Hospital.
"I believe this venture will be a success," Stupnikoff states.
Breathing life into vintage theaters is no small feat, and Stupnikoff isn't the only one trying to raise the curtain.
Michael Redhead Champagne seeks to revitalize the Palace Theatre in north Winnipeg, which has stood empty since the late 90s. The theatre, built in 1912, served as a vaudeville house, a movie theater, a flea market, and even a furniture warehouse.
Redhead Champagne notes that residents have expressed a desire for an arts and culture hub tailored to the North End for several years. With many Indigenous-led gathering places in Winnipeg closing in recent years, he aims to provide space for First Nations artists and others to express themselves.
"Winnipeg's North End spirit is unique and shaped by our social, cultural, economic, racial, and geographic challenges," he says. "Spaces like the future Palace Theatre will serve as a platform for First Nations artists to share their stories in their voice."
Redhead Champagne's group is now reaching out to private donors for the project. Once the building's ownership is transferred from the University of Manitoba to a community-based entity, they'll begin hosting community events.
Sadly, even a restored theatre will face surprises in the form of unexpected repairs – challenges Jocelyn Dougherty knows all too well.
She and her husband have owned the Orpheum Theatre in Estevan, Saskatchewan, since 1998. The theatre, which opened in 1914, is one of the longest independently-owned theaters in Canada. Live shows have hosted performers like Kenny Shields, Randy Bachman, and even Johnny Reid.
But last summer, a downtown revitalization project grinded the shows to a halt. "The entire street in front of the theatre was dug out, and heavy rains caused flooding, turning the theatre into an Olympic-sized swimming pool," Dougherty recalls. "It was quite the mess."
The restoration has been a significant financial setback to the theater. However, Dougherty sees a light at the end of the tunnel. Restoration companies have been working tirelessly to bring the theater back to its former glory, with plans for a reopening later this month.
Dougherty notes that the city's residents eagerly await the reopening. The nearest theaters are located two hours away in Regina and North Dakota.
Beyond the entertainment, having a theater is vital for its historical and sentimental value, she says. One patron told her about their first date at the theatre, while another cherished seeing The Ink Spots, an American vocal group, there.
"It's crucial to keep it open," she stresses. "People return to revisit the theatre and reminisce about cherished memories."
[1] "In Winnipeg’s North End, community members aim to revitalize legendary Palace Theatre." CBC NEWS, February 17, 2021. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/palace-theatre-north-end-arts-culture-1.5919876 [2] "History: Orpheum Theatre." Orpheum Theatre, 2023. https://www.orpheumtheatre.ca/visit-us/history
- David Stupnikoff's courier service in Toronto transports more than deliveries, it also transports art, reflecting his passion for the arts.
- The Princess Theatre revival project in Edmonton, Canada, extends beyond entertainment, offering a platform for entrepreneurship and community engagement.
- The fashion-and-beauty industry in Toronto thrives from the city's diverse culture, fueling small business growth and economic development.
- Investing in real estate, such as the Princess Theatre, presents potential financial risks, but for Stupnikoff, the reward is the positive impact on community and culture.
- Michael Redhead Champagne in Winnipeg envisions the revitalized Palace Theatre as a hub for arts and culture, promoting a dynamic lifestyle and amplifying the unique voice of the North End community.
- The food-and-drink scene in Old Strathcona, Edmonton, could significantly benefit from the renewed energy brought by a vibrant theater like the Princess, attracting both locals and tourists.
- In collaboration with private donors, Stupnikoff intends to secure funding for the Princess Theatre renovations, focusing on home-and-garden improvements for a warm and inviting space for all.
- The ambitious fundraising goal for the Palace Theatre in Winnipeg underscores the importance of investing in community development, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness within the North End.
- The Orpheum Theatre in Estevan, Saskatchewan, not only enriches the local lifestyle through live performances but also preserves a piece of Canada's cultural heritage by safeguarding historical landmarks.
- The reopening of the Orpheum Theatre in Estevan is an exciting event for residents, not only as a venue for entertainment but also as a cherished symbol of shared memories and community spirit, even amidst the challenges of weather and infrastructure repairs.
