First Pantages Theatre
Vancouver, B.C.
134-136 E. Hastings St.
 
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Pantages Theatre, c.1912
 
The first Vancouver Pantages Theatre was built in 1907 at a cost of $100,000. The theatre opened as a vaudeville house on January 6, 1908 and had 650 seats.
 
There is no record of an organ being installed in this Pantages Theatre.
 
Postcard view looking west on Hastings St. Pantages Theatre building on left, c.1910
 
Looking east on Hastings St., c.1912. Pantages Theatre signage at right. The Empress Theatre at 276 E. Hastings operated from 1908 to 1940.
 
In 1917 a new, much larger Pantages Theatre was built at 20 W. Hastings St.
 
In the 1920's the original Pantages Theatre building was converted from vaudeville to a movie house and operated under several names over the ensuing 70 years including Royal, State, Queen, Avon, and City Nights. It operated under the name Sun Sing at the time of its closing in 1994.
 
Interior as of 1999. Image by John Mackie.
 
The building sat unoccupied for many years with a leaking roof. In 2008, there were efforts to save the theatre including pursuit of the $26M necessary to effect repairs and restoration, but the City Council was not supportive and the structure was ultimately razed in December 2011.
 
c.2010
 
Pantages Theatre auditorium, c.2010, a year prior to demolition. Photos by S. Vegas.
 
2011, during demolition. Image courtesy Photocatvan
 

   c.1915