General Updates and News

[beyeas]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

Doesn't say for sure that it'll be torn down. Who knows, the Nahas family is involved in restaurants and other stuff, not just development. There's a Herald article that suggest they're looking at multiple uses for the space, and doesn't mention demolition. So that sounds positive, though I'm not sure how you turn a building that basically consists of one big room into offices or residential. Maybe a big retail space of some kind.

But yes, it seems very possible that demolition could be in the cards. Which would suck; this is the last single-screen cinema in the city, and it's not like it's some obsolete business model. Neighbourhood cinemas survive and thrive in cities all over the country. In fact, if the building is torn down, Halifax will be the only Canadian city of eight that I've lived in that doesn't have a neighbourhood theatre.

That royally sucks. I loved having that theatre there, and in many ways Quinpool was a great location for it as it sort of suited the odd vibe of the street.

[MonctonRad]

Yes, the Oxford is a great theatre. I have fond memories of catching the odd movie there when I lived in Halifax going to Dalhousie.

[beyeas]

I might have missed it, but what is the project that is proposed for South Park and & Victoria? I was walking up South Park this morning and noticed development notices posted, but didn't have the time to stop and look.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

Doesn't say for sure that it'll be torn down. Who knows, the Nahas family is involved in restaurants and other stuff, not just development. There's a Herald article that suggest they're looking at multiple uses for the space, and doesn't mention demolition. So that sounds positive, though I'm not sure how you turn a building that basically consists of one big room into offices or residential. Maybe a big retail space of some kind.

But yes, it seems very possible that demolition could be in the cards. Which would suck; this is the last single-screen cinema in the city, and it's not like it's some obsolete business model. Neighbourhood cinemas survive and thrive in cities all over the country. In fact, if the building is torn down, Halifax will be the only Canadian city of eight that I've lived in that doesn't have a neighbourhood theatre.

I'm really disheartened by this news about The Oxford.

I hope they come up with a use that preserves the space, and allows for public access, but hard to see what that might be.

We're now also ONE move theatre away from having zero movie theatres downtown. Park Lane and nowhere else.

I don't understand why they didn't try a different business model; you can't keep an old theatre like The Oxford in business playing films in there made for IMAX.

I wish Paramount/Famous Players were also more visionary -- see Bloor Cinema in Toronto, when the then owners turned down developer proposals until someone came along willing to keep it running as a threatre:

http://www.hotdocscinema.ca/responsive/content/history

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

I wish Paramount/Famous Players were also more visionary -- see Bloor Cinema in Toronto, when the then owners turned down developer proposals until someone came along willing to keep it running as a threatre:

http://www.hotdocscinema.ca/responsive/content/history

I always thought it was odd that the Oxford was a Cineplex property. Never made sense, and made this kind of thing much more likely. Halifax is about to become the only Canadian city I've lived in (or can even think of) without a neighbourhood cinema like this.

If it's turned into some kind of venue or publicly accessible space, and the building (and art-deco interior) is retained, this could turn out well, or even for the best. But that seems very up in the air right now.

[Dmajackson]

Originally Posted by beyeas

I might have missed it, but what is the project that is proposed for South Park and & Victoria? I was walking up South Park this morning and noticed development notices posted, but didn't have the time to stop and look.

It's an expansion of the existing building onto the two houses to the north. It will also bring the ground floor up to the sidewalk;

Case 20159 - South Park & Victoria

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

I always thought it was odd that the Oxford was a Cineplex property. Never made sense, and made this kind of thing much more likely. Halifax is about to become the only Canadian city I've lived in (or can even think of) without a neighbourhood cinema like this.

If it's turned into some kind of venue or publicly accessible space, and the building (and art-deco interior) is retained, this could turn out well, or even for the best. But that seems very up in the air right now.

I wish some local celebrities with some extra cash, who have benefited over the years from The Oxford-- like the Trailer Park Boys who debuted several movies/shows there-- gets involved. I mean, it'd be great as an independent filmoire space, a central location for local film docs, film festival offerings, etc.

I don't know. What do you do with a former movie theatre to keep it publicly accessible? Turn it into a stage for shows/plays?

I actually think the location on Quinpool hurt the theatre; if it were closer to SGR/Barrington, I feel like it would more likely have survived. I know the Paramount was on Barrington and it didn't survive, but that was only because it was destroyed during the insane demolitions in the 1990s.

[Colin May]

Originally Posted by Dmajackson

It's an expansion of the existing building onto the two houses to the north. It will also bring the ground floor up to the sidewalk;

Case 20159 - South Park & Victoria

The plans are dated August 2015.
Why has it taken so long get to a public notification ?
Hello Mr Bjerke, is this why you were fired ?

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

I wish some local celebrities with some extra cash, who have benefited over the years from The Oxford-- like the Trailer Park Boys who debuted several movies/shows there-- gets involved. I mean, it'd be great as an independent filmoire space, a central location for local film docs, film festival offerings, etc.

I don't know. What do you do with a former movie theatre to keep it publicly accessible? Turn it into a stage for shows/plays?

I actually think the location on Quinpool hurt the theatre; if it were closer to SGR/Barrington, I feel like it would more likely have survived. I know the Paramount was on Barrington and it didn't survive, but that was only because it was destroyed during the insane demolitions in the 1990s.

The first thing you need to do is find a way for such a facility to stop losing money. Apparently the Oxford has been doing that for some time which is what led to its closure.

The Paramount wasn't demolished, or at least the building wasn't. It still stands on Barrington. It was probably also a big money-loser.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

The first thing you need to do is find a way for such a facility to stop losing money. Apparently the Oxford has been doing that for some time which is what led to its closure.

The Paramount wasn't demolished, or at least the building wasn't. It still stands on Barrington. It was probably also a big money-loser.

Yes, I agree, you need to find a different business model; a single small screen model is not going to make money if you're playing films there meant for IMAX and huge screen theatres out in Bayers Lake.

You'd look to Bloor Cinema's money making model in Toronto, which is a combo of providing viewing for all other kinds of film content you can't get at the bigger theatres-- you reduce the ticket price and then show film fest stuff, hotdocs, local documentaries/content, and also regular monthly viewing for movie/campy/cult classics, like Casablanca, Plan 9, Dazed and Confused, Princess Bride, Citizen Kane, 2001: Space Odyssey, Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, Lawrence of Arabia, Indiana Jones franchise, etc, etc.

You can also reduce the ticket price because licensing for showings of older films like this is a lot cheaper than showing the latest Hollywood flicks coming out.

When living in Toronto, I'd hit Bloor Cinema several times a month with friends to take in classic flicks like that - fun to do as a group, and the ticket prices were very modest. Like $4 to take in Casablanca after work, plus popcorn was also cheap too, like $2.50 for a medium, I think. Problem for the Oxford is its location in this sense-- Bloor Cinema would get a lot of walk-ins, or walk-bys; sitting in prime pedestrian/student zone on Bloor near U of T. Oxford is on Quinpool and not really a prime place to walk to for most students living in the South End near Dalhousie/SMU.

I think the Paramount's building is still there, but believe the actual theatre inside was gutted and torn out.

[Drybrain]

The Princess in Edmonton; the Plaza and Globe in Calgary; The Revue and Royal and Bloor and Fox and more in Toronto. And on and on. Every city has single-screen cinemas; the notion that they can't make money seems on its face false.

I doubt Cineplex was losing money on it, even. The balance sheet probably came out better selling it, so they did. It doesn't mean that running a cinema like this is financially impossible.

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

The Princess in Edmonton; the Plaza and Globe in Calgary; The Revue and Royal and Bloor and Fox and more in Toronto. And on and on. Every city has single-screen cinemas; the notion that they can't make money seems on its face false.

I doubt Cineplex was losing money on it, even. The balance sheet probably came out better selling it, so they did. It doesn't mean that running a cinema like this is financially impossible.

Postings elsewhere from current and former staff would tend to belie that notion. Audiences were generally small to nonexistent, the building required almost the same staffing level as multiplex theatres, and the heating bill in the winter was apparently massive.

[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

[ns_kid]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

Postings elsewhere from current and former staff would tend to belie that notion. Audiences were generally small to nonexistent, the building required almost the same staffing level as multiplex theatres, and the heating bill in the winter was apparently massive.

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.

[IanMacDonald]

Originally Posted by ns_kid

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.)

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.

[eastcoastal]

Originally Posted by IanMacDonald

...
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.

I had understood that the theatre was used for Dalhousie Engineering classes. If that is the case, we might expect that the completion of the new IDEA building, with its new learning environments, to reduce that revenue stream.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Interesting points and info in the posts above. Thanks, Ian, for coming out of the shadows to give us your input. I would like to learn more 'insider info' about this historic theatre, if you would be so kind as to share it with us.

I find it strange and interesting that Nanco Group would purchase the property while still not being sure as to what they want to do with it. Perhaps they are just holding their cards close to their chest? Makes me wonder if there's a possibility that it could continue as a theatre/entertainment venue at least until they come up with a definite plan...

...would really rather see it saved long-term, though.

[IanMacDonald]

Originally Posted by eastcoastal

I had understood that the theatre was used for Dalhousie Engineering classes. If that is the case, we might expect that the completion of the new IDEA building, with its new learning environments, to reduce that revenue stream.

While the first ones there were exclusively engineering classes, I was under the impression that they had since branched out slightly and were doing more classes there as Dalhousie has found this to be a very useful solution to their need for classrooms. I expect it will hurt the business of renting the theatre but I'm out of the loop now so I'm not clear on if that is for sure the case.

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Interesting points and info in the posts above. Thanks, Ian, for coming out of the shadows to give us your input. I would like to learn more 'insider info' about this historic theatre, if you would be so kind as to share it with us.

I find it strange and interesting that Nanco Group would purchase the property while still not being sure as to what they want to do with it. Perhaps they are just holding their cards close to their chest? Makes me wonder if there's a possibility that it could continue as a theatre/entertainment venue at least until they come up with a definite plan...

...would really rather see it saved long-term, though.

Happy to share what I know! I was at the Oxford for a few years around the 75th Anniversary (which was almost forgotten, then slightly bungled by Empire) I believe that Nanco also own the KOD next door, so I suspect that the two properties will be developed together.

I'd love to see the Oxford be kept open as an entertainment venue in some capacity but as it is now it can easily wind up being a money pit and requires extensive upgrades. The washrooms are inadequate for even moderate amounts of business and the theatre while technically accessible to wheelchairs, is essentially inaccessible other than a side door that can only be opened from the inside.

[Drybrain]

It's really indicative of the state of the city that this whole conversation is predicated on the assumption that the building will be redeveloped. In most cities, when a local property developer buys a historic theatre space, the question is "what are they going to turn the space into?" In Halifax, we just assume demolition is the endgame. Halifax is unusual in that. In virtually no other city I can think of would that be the immediate assumption, nor would it be the likely end result. But, this is Halifax.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by IanMacDonald

Happy to share what I know! I was at the Oxford for a few years around the 75th Anniversary (which was almost forgotten, then slightly bungled by Empire) I believe that Nanco also own the KOD next door, so I suspect that the two properties will be developed together.

I'd love to see the Oxford be kept open as an entertainment venue in some capacity but as it is now it can easily wind up being a money pit and requires extensive upgrades. The washrooms are inadequate for even moderate amounts of business and the theatre while technically accessible to wheelchairs, is essentially inaccessible other than a side door that can only be opened from the inside.

I think these are items that could be overcome but you're right that it would require some cash flow. It's interesting that as mentioned in my previous post that there seems to be a move to restore and upgrade theatres in smaller, more rural areas but not so much in Halifax. Though as Drybrain mentioned maybe it's more a Halifax thing than an urban vs rural thing.

One would think, owning adjacent properties that combined redevelopment is the plan, unfortunately. Wasn't the Quinpool KOD one of the first donair establishments in Halifax? If so here's an opportunity to wipe out two local landmarks in one fell swoop.

Regarding the Oxford, how much of the decor is original? I remember when the interior was renovated a number of years ago, but can't remember if the original stuff was restored or newer items added in the style of the era.

Being from Dartmouth, I tended to go to the Mayfair on Portland St. or the one on Dundas when I was a kid, but did go to the Paramount, the Oxford, sometimes the Casino, and of course the Scotia Square cinemas in the late seventies/early eighties. I don't recall ever going to the Capitol as I was fairly young when it was torn down. With the exception of the Capitol, I think the Oxford was the nicest of them that I recall.