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
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.