General Updates and News

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

The Oxford will be a real loss to Halifax, IMHO. The last of its kind and certainly a well-preserved example of art deco, a style that has taken many hits in Halifax over the past few years (CBC bldg., Maritime Life/BMO building, Zellers/Discovery Ctr building for example).

Seeing a movie at the Oxford was like stepping into another time - an era when going to a movie was a special event. Beautiful decor, comfy seats, the balcony... heck, even the bathrooms were kinda neat.

Now, like many of Halifax's historical structures, it is about to fade into memories and photographs. Future generations of Haligonians will only be able to imagine what it would be like to see a movie in one of these old theatres.

When I first heard about this, I was kinda shocked and dismayed, yet not really surprised. I have driven by the Oxford many times over the past year and have noticed that the movie selection has been less than inspiring, and not really in keeping with the type of entertainment that would draw people to this theatre. Kinda like it has been forgotten or not really understood by the owners, and I guess, mismanaged to some extent.

The part that is surprising to me is how Halifax, which is becoming larger and more urban every year, hasn't seen its way to do something with this theatre before this. I've happened upon older theatres which have been restored and upgraded in small towns basically in the middle of nowhere, like The Grand in Ellsworth Maine, and just last week The Regent in Picton, Ontario. In each case I was drawn to the glow of neon beckoning passers-by to come to the theatre and be entertained.

http://www.mainenightout.com/maine/ellsworth/maine-nightlife/the-grand-auditorium

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/n...se-rescue-a-model-for-hamilton-1.1873745

Now these two examples are ones that I just happened to haphazardly stumble upon in my travels. I'm sure there are several more out there. A similar story exists around the Acadia Theatre in Wolfville, NS. http://acadiacinema.coop/

It seems the common point for these old theatres are that non-profit organizations were able to obtain the theatres and raise funds to have them restored, repaired and expanded to allow them to host live theatre and musical events in addition to screening movies.

It appears to be too late for the Oxford, so perhaps this is a waste of typing, but I could envision the Oxford being used for offbeat/classic movies as mentioned in several posts above, but also a place for live music and theatre productions.

I think Halifax could use an additional music venue for acts that are best experienced in a more intimate setting. The Carleton is a great venue, but it's small. The Marquee is vibrant as well, but there's no seating. The Cohn is a nice place but is larger (and likely more expensive to book) - so I could see the Oxford filling a spot that has no competitors in its size range.

Additionally, The Neptune Theatre is a great downtown venue, but maybe a place like The Oxford could fill a gap for amateur theatre as well as having an option for people in the central area of Halifax, not far from the universities.

It seems like a shame that there has been no vision to preserve the Oxford, and that it will likely be converted to some uninspiring office or residential project, or even more likely just torn down - because, well, you know - it happens more often than not around here.

Reminds me of the case of the old Capitol Theatre, which was torn down in 1974 to make way for the slab of concrete that we know as the Maritime Centre. That one would have been nice to have around today as it was quite elegant on the inside.

https://www.facebook.com/novascotiaarchives/photos/pcb.10154702085835816/10154702083295816/?type=3

http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/12220



https://novascotia.ca/archives/EastCoastPort/archives.asp?ID=44

Sounds like the Oxford will just be one more loss in Halifax to add to the list of photographs and memories...



https://novascotia.ca/archives/NSIS/archives.asp?ID=1024

Lovely post Mark, I really, truly, hope there's still time (and hope) left for Oxford.

Maybe the public outcry might change the plans?

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by ns_kid

In fact the property was a moneymaker for Cineplex with strong rental income from long-term tenants. Which is why it was attractive to a buyer. As for the auditorium, it was an okay performer for a single screen property, but Cineplex is not in that business and insiders predicted Oxford's fate was sealed when Empire sold it. Even so, Cineplex spent over $100,000 three years ago when it replaced the 35mm projector with digital projection and sound. (A major commitment, since it required moving the equipment by crane through the roof.)

Audience numbers were respectable, depending on titles of course. Many popular titles performed well. During Maudie's run in the spring, Oxford was one of the top grossing screens in the chain. As for staffing costs, these were minimal. Oxford was essentially an extra Park Lane screen, and they shared management and staff. Most nights, only two people staffed the Oxford, with one supervising, taking tickets, acting as projectionist and general floater; the other selling tickets and food from the concession stand.

I don't object to Cineplex choosing to divest itself of properties that don't fit its business model but I do fault them for making no apparent attempt to find a buyer that would maintain the property as a theatre. (Incidentally, my understanding is that the Oxford's original stage is still in place behind the screen.) Of course, any continued use of the property as a cinema would be a potential competitive threat to Cineplex.

As others have pointed out, this leaves only Park Lane on the the peninsula and I would say its long-term future is very much in doubt. Its patronage is weak, despite its proximity to the universities and a growing residential population. The subterranean complex is dark and univiting and all but invisible from the street. I thought Cineplex had a great opportunity to move its downtown screens to Nova Centre but they've shown no inclination to invest in downtown Halifax. Aside from converting all projection rooms to digital, they've made no improvements at Park Lane.

By the way, there is also a plan to install new VIP cinemas in Bayers Lake. This has been a money-maker for Cineplex elsewhere, providing extra-roomy seating and at-your-seat food and beverage service for a premium price. But it will mean an overall loss of one or two auditoriums at Bayers Lake, further reducing the number of screens in Halifax.

Fantastic post. They SHOULD have tried to find a new buyer, and when they couldn't, gone public to see if a public/private partnership could be struck up.

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

Fantastic post. They SHOULD have tried to find a new buyer, and when they couldn't, gone public to see if a public/private partnership could be struck up.

Except that, as was later pointed out by someone who actually worked there, most of the stuff stated was at variance with the reality.

Mark's commentary about old theaters being renovated and operating in small towns is more of an urban/rural thing I suspect. There is little to no pressure to redevelop these properties in small towns, and when they are reopened as a restored theater they likely do decent business because they are in a small town - what else is there to do? The Oxford often played to a near-empty house.

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

Except that, as was later pointed out by someone who actually worked there, most of the stuff stated was at variance with the reality.

Mark's commentary about old theaters being renovated and operating in small towns is more of an urban/rural thing I suspect. There is little to no pressure to redevelop these properties in small towns, and when they are reopened as a restored theater they likely do decent business because they are in a small town - what else is there to do? The Oxford often played to a near-empty house.

But this happens all the time in larger cities as well. The Bloor in Toronto underwent a huge reno several years ago. The Royal and Revue cinemas too, to a lesser degree. Ottawa's Bytowne Cinema in 2013 was renovated and renewed.

There's this idea floating around that this was inevitable, like the Oxford was some living anachronism. Somehow people commenting on this have missed the fact that virtually every city in the country has at least one of these screens, usually more than one.

If the Oxford was playing to empty rooms, it wasn't not because the business model of small cinemas doesn't work, but because of something unique to that cinema, or that owner (i.e., Cineplex).

[IanWatson]

Last spring I was driving to Ontario and stopped in Montpellier, Vermont. We were tired out and wanted to veg, so we went to a movie. We found this really cool independent, single-screen theatre. They served wine and craft beer. It was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. I feel like a licensed theatre could be big in Halifax.

[ns_kid]

Originally Posted by IanMacDonald

So, I've been lurking forever, but felt compelled to finally join in as the Oxford is very close to my heart. I worked there for about 5 years, something like 4 of them as manager/projectionist.

Cineplex did not replace the 35mm projector. That was a project undertaken by Empire before they were sold. The sound received minimal upgrades at the same time and the seating was replaced with newer rocker chairs.

It's also worth noting that the projection equipment was not moved through the roof by crane. It was assembled in the projection booth. The electrical for the building and the exterior had substantial work done on them in 2012 - while still owned by Empire.

Park Lane's attendance (from my understanding, I've been gone for 3 years now) are of little consequence. The theatre has found it very lucrative to rent space to Dalhouse to hold classes there. The attendance is rarely good, but in the short-term at least Park Lane is safe.

Thanks for the correction, Ian. My memory fails again. I believe the digital conversion was completed in March of 2012 and the Cineplex buy-out was not until June of 2013.

Rather than join the crowds for the nostalgic look back I'm hoping to see Wind River, the last first-run film at the Oxford, tonight. I still remember my first visit to the Oxford as a kid to see The Railway Children (1970, with a young Jenny Agutter, later the love interest in American Werewolf in London).

But, if you're looking for a treat, tickets are still available for City Lights (1931, Chaplin) next Tuesday afternoon. If you've never seen a classic, fully restored silent on the big screen, you may find it a revelation. Roger Ebert called the beautiful final scene between Chaplin and Virginia Cherrill one of the great emotional moments in cinema. I saw City Lights a couple of years ago at Dartmouth Crossing. There were two of us in the auditorium. I hope it finds a warmer audience at the Oxford.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by ns_kid

Thanks for the correction, Ian. My memory fails again. I believe the digital conversion was completed in March of 2012 and the Cineplex buy-out was not until June of 2013.

Rather than join the crowds for the nostalgic look back I'm hoping to see Wind River, the last first-run film at the Oxford, tonight. I still remember my first visit to the Oxford as a kid to see The Railway Children (1970, with a young Jenny Agutter, later the love interest in American Werewolf in London).

But, if you're looking for a treat, tickets are still available for City Lights (1931, Chaplin) next Tuesday afternoon. If you've never seen a classic, fully restored silent on the big screen, you may find it a revelation. Roger Ebert called the beautiful final scene between Chaplin and Virginia Cherrill one of the great emotional moments in cinema. I saw City Lights a couple of years ago at Dartmouth Crossing. There were two of us in the auditorium. I hope it finds a warmer audience at the Oxford.

I love City Lights. Brilliant film. Chaplin was a genius.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

Lovely post Mark, I really, truly, hope there's still time (and hope) left for Oxford.

Maybe the public outcry might change the plans?

The optimist in me is hoping for it, but the realist tells me it's probably too late.

In thinking about this a little more, I'm somewhat resentful that Cineplex didn't reveal their intentions to the public before entering into a deal to sell it, to perhaps give others an opportunity to save this theatre for the community.

I realize that it's "good business" for Cineplex to get the most return on their investment and thus score the highest price in the sale, but I can't help but think they should have some respect for the community in which they operate and consider the significance of the Oxford before putting it on the chopping block for "whatever" to happen to it. Then, if there were no takers at least it could be sold with a clear conscience.

I know that business doesn't have any obligation to look after the community's interests, but I guess it's the cut-throat aspect of the business culture I've witnessed over the years that has left me with a lower level of respect for the business world than I have for most other professions...

[Jonovision]

All of the glazing and some of the support structures have been removed from the pool at 1881 Brunswick Street.

20170908_160750 by Jonovision23, on Flickr

20170908_160824 by Jonovision23, on Flickr

[Empire]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

But this happens all the time in larger cities as well. The Bloor in Toronto underwent a huge reno several years ago. The Royal and Revue cinemas too, to a lesser degree. Ottawa's Bytowne Cinema in 2013 was renovated and renewed.

There's this idea floating around that this was inevitable, like the Oxford was some living anachronism. Somehow people commenting on this have missed the fact that virtually every city in the country has at least one of these screens, usually more than one.

If the Oxford was playing to empty rooms, it wasn't not because the business model of small cinemas doesn't work, but because of something unique to that cinema, or that owner (i.e., Cineplex).

Saw Taj Mahal at the Camden Opera House in Maine a few years ago. But this is an area that has respect for architecture and heritage. They see value in promoting what others don't have and at the same time preserving such venues for their own enjoyment. Halifax has it wrong and has had it wrong for years. Currently on the chopping block are the Oxford Theatre and the Elmwood hotel on South St. We are ripping the soul from this city for six storey, butt ugly, plastic sided, commercial/residential half empty buildings. The city should offer to buy back the Elmwood and the Oxford Theatre at a generous price.

Here is the type of building we would demolish:
http://camdenoperahouse.com/

[Jstaleness]

Originally Posted by IanWatson

Last spring I was driving to Ontario and stopped in Montpellier, Vermont. We were tired out and wanted to veg, so we went to a movie. We found this really cool independent, single-screen theatre. They served wine and craft beer. It was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. I feel like a licensed theatre could be big in Halifax.

I have to agree. This type of setting would be something I would put my money into. I am a supporter of local craft and to be able to enjoy it while watching a movie would be so much fun.

[hokus83]

Hey if Woflville can make a independent, single-screen theatre work I don't see why Halifax shouldn't be able to.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by hokus83

Hey if Woflville can make a independent, single-screen theatre work I don't see why Halifax shouldn't be able to.

Those are my thoughts on it. The only difference was a surprise deal done in secrecy, IMHO.

I understand Keith's point about rural theatres, but think about what the Oxford has going for it:
- Well loved vintage theatre, the only one of its kind left in Halifax.
- Large population to draw from.
- An active arts/music community in the area.
- A strong local craft beer, wine, cider industry to draw from (if this aspect were added).

There has been comments made that it wasn't supported by the community, but really I see it as its potential market being misread, or just ignored, by its former owners - then it was sold and closure announced post-sale, without an option being given to any group that might want to make a go at continuing its use as a theatre.

If marketed properly, I can see no reason why it wouldn't succeed in such a function.

Regarding development, there are many other opportunities to develop properties in the area, so why not spare the last single screen art deco theatre and build the glass box elsewhere?

[OldDartmouthMark]

It appears that there is an online petition in an attempt to save the Oxford Theatre, if anybody is interested:

https://www.change.org/p/nanco-group-save-the-halifax-oxford-theatre

[RoshanMcG]

There was a sign up at the former Northcliffe pool on Dunbrack saying that a Maronite Church (Our Lady of Lebanon) would be located there.

[Phalanx]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

It appears that there is an online petition in an attempt to save the Oxford Theatre, if anybody is interested:

https://www.change.org/p/nanco-group-save-the-halifax-oxford-theatre

I signed it last week. There was an update email a few days ago indicating that Norman Nahas isn't necessarily opposed to the idea of having it continue as a theatre, the problem is that there was a non-compete clause in the purchase agreement. Cineplex doesn't want it operating as a theatre, so pressure would need to be applied to Cineplex as well to get them to change their position.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Ah, that would also explain why Cineplex did the deal quickly and quietly without giving the community a chance to step in and save it. Fargen bastages!

One would think that they wouldn't object to it being used for live performances and maybe even vintage, non-mainstream movies that they wouldn't be featuring in their theatres anyhow?

I've been attending the Atlantic film festival this week and it strikes me that there are a lot of good amateur and non-mainstream movies that you would otherwise never get a chance to see, that could be shown at the Oxford throughout the year without threatening Cineplex's market of formula/hollywood (read action hero/car crashes and explosions, etc.) movies that they would normally feature at their venues.

Maybe there's some hope, but it sounds like it might depend on how open Cineplex is to that type of dialogue. It might just be a standard contract that they use when selling off venues that might be modifiable for special cases (?). For those in the know, how has it worked for the old theatres that have been saved in larger cities?

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Maybe there's some hope, but it sounds like it might depend on how open Cineplex is to that type of dialogue. It might just be a standard contract that they use when selling off venues that might be modifiable for special cases (?). For those in the know, how has it worked for the old theatres that have been saved in larger cities?

I'm not aware of any Cineplex-level chain ever having owned one of these small cinemas in any other city. They're usually independently run, or owned by a smaller chain that specializes in small theatres. So dealing with a non-compete clause like this seems like a situation unique to the Oxford.

I can't imagine Cineplex would have any say-so when it comes to repurposing it as a venue/performance space in general, however.

[Querce]

I'm pretty sure it was mentioned on Halifax Retales that the sale included that the site couldn't be used as a theatre

[Empire]

Originally Posted by Phalanx

I signed it last week. There was an update email a few days ago indicating that Norman Nahas isn't necessarily opposed to the idea of having it continue as a theatre, the problem is that there was a non-compete clause in the purchase agreement. Cineplex doesn't want it operating as a theatre, so pressure would need to be applied to Cineplex as well to get them to change their position.

Maybe the city can kick in and help operate the theatre as the Oxford Theatre and release Cineplex from their obligations.