Vogue Theatre (Vancouver)
 |
| Vogue Theatre | |
|---|---|
 The Vogue Theatre in Vancouver | |
  Location within Vancouver | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Moderne |
| Location | 918 Granville Street |
| Town or city | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Country | Canada |
| Construction started | 1940 |
| Completed | 1941 |
| Client | Odeon |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Sprachman & Kaplan |
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver on 918 Granville Street, the Vogue Theatre has been one of the defining architectural achievements in Vancouver since its opening in 1941. Built in the Art Deco/Art Moderne style, the Vogue Theatre was originally built as a movie house and a venue for the performing arts on Vancouver’s “Theatre Row”.
History
The Vogue Theatre was designed by architects Kaplan & Sprachman. Construction began in 1940 and was completed in 1941. Originally owned and operated by the Granville Entertainment Group, the Vogue was recently sold to Whistler-based Gibbons Hospitality Group for approximately $3 million. After ownership transferred on January 1, 2006, the Vogue was temporarily shut down until a redevelopment plan could be finalized. It is currently on Heritage Vancouver’s Top 10 list of endangered sites. The Vogue is a former venue for events such as Vancouver’s ComedyFest, Vancouver International Film Festival and Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
Architecture
The Vogue Theatre is a prime example of a Moderne style building in Vancouver. A 1998 restoration of the theatre included exterior repainting, neon light replacements and installation of a new sound system.
Exterior Design
The Vogue Theatre is crafted in the Art Deco style, emphasizing sleek lines and fluid contours. Its streamlined exterior exemplifies these qualities. The symmetrical façades, constructed in a mixture of textured concrete and terrazzo panels with wrought-iron screens, give the Vogue a very slick look. Flanked by shops on both sides, the entrance and box office are recessed into the building. The sidewalk outside depicts a very colorful pattern. One of the defining features of Vogue is its large neon sign which is topped by silhouette of the Roman Goddess Diana, giving this building a very Hollywood feel.
Interior Design
The interior of the Vogue Theatre houses 1,144 seats and contains 4 wheelchair accesses. There are 597 seats on the orchestra level, 211 in the Dress Circle and 336 on the Upper Circle. It comprises curved balconies and curved ceilings that are defining features of the Art Deco style. Streamlined and sinuous contours are found in all aspects of the interior: auditorium, upper and lower lobbies, foyer, and staircases that are flanked by wood columns. It also holds a basement, multiple dressing rooms, and a heavy orchestra veil. The walls are covered with murals that were decorated by the artist Ernest Prentis.
Another of the special characteristics of the Vogue is its elaborate modulated lighting system, which create a fusion-type atmosphere in the building. The stage, which is made of black-painted maple, is equipped with a flying system 30 feet above the floor and a state-of-the-art audio system. In addition to the concern of aesthetic value, the Vogue was also constructed with practical objectives. The air-conditioning systems and ducts are concealed in the ceiling coves, which not only looks good but also improves the acoustics of the theatre.
Renovation
The Gibbons Hospitality Group has intentions of turning the Vogue into a large-scale club/entertainment venue. As a result, it has applied for a liquor license and would need to remove all the sloped seats that are currently in the theatre in order to install the stepped table-seating that is more favorable in clubs.
Controversy
The Vogue Theatre, ever since it was sold to the Gibbons Hospitality Group, has been in a controversy regarding its restoration. Many people are against such complete restoration plans for reasons of the theater's heritage and architectural values. However, until the owner can obtain a liquor license, the theatre will not be changed.
Recognition
By the virtue of its scale, design, and age, the Vogue has been both an "A-listed" heritage building and a national historic site of Canada since it was officially recognized by the federal government on November 20, 1993, under Historic Sites and Monuments Act. However, the interiors of the building are not officially protected, a loophole the owners of the Vogue are seeking to exploit. A plaque was erected by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada commemorating this recognition.