It's showtime once again at The Plaza Theatre in Kensington
One of Calgary's most beloved historic cinema spaces has reopened Friday after a major lobby renovation and some new added features.
The Plaza Theatre had closed down earlier in the pandemic and has been under construction since July 2021 under new ownership.
"When it first shut down I was so saddened that it would be taken out of this neighbourhood and that condos would go up instead. We are thrilled that it's up and running," said area resident Amy Alexander. "I think it's the core of Kensington, and without this Kensington wouldn't be the same."
First built as a garage in 1927, the structure just off of Kensington Road N.W. first operated as a theatre in 1935.
In addition to screening films, the location will feature a permanent food truck out front with rotating local chefs offering food that moviegoers can bring inside.
"As a single-screen cinema it's really hard to survive just on tickets alone. So your concession really has to work for you and we were trying to figure out what we could do as the Plaza that would set us apart from competitors," said Fatima Allie Dobrowolski, the new owner.
The lobby is now a splash of bubble gum and dusty rose pink as a converted cafe featuring coffee and treats from local providers like Phil & Sebastian's Coffee, Our Daily Brett, Empire Provisions, among others.
The venue also now includes a bar for cocktails and craft beers pre- or post-film viewings.
"We were really struck by how everyone really talked about The Plaza being the hub of the community. People have gotten married here or done events here or saw their first film here and that's really special," said Dobrowolski.
CTV News caught up with one couple that tied the knot in the building in 2019.
"We had movie posters done up, we had a movie trailer for our wedding. It's a very special location for us," said Zach Trolley.
"It's been a staple in the neighbourhood for ages. Being able to walk down and see a movie in your own neighbourhood is pretty cool," said Connor McManus.
The Kensington Business Improvement Area says the return of the theatre is a bright spot for the area.
"We are a destination, and the reopening of The Plaza absolutely contributed to the well-being of this whole business district," said Annie MacInnis, executive director.
The first film to be featured in the space is Belfast followed by Dune.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.