LAST - neighbourhood cinema designed by Henry Simmonds in Vancouver — Vancouver, BC - Last of its Kind on Waymarking.com

STANLEY THEATRE

Architect: H. H. Simmonds

Frederick Guest opened this 1,200 seat Moorish-style art deco theatre in 1931. It served as a movie theatre until 1991 and is the only survivor of the four Vancouver neighbourhood cinemas designed by Henry Simmonds. The interior features traditional classical motifs augmented by art deco elements such as seashell lights and geometric ceiling detailing. Initiated by the Arts Club Theatre and Vancouver TheatreSports League, the Stanley Theatre Society was formed and, after years of community activism, completed the fundraising and rehabilitation project. The Stanley Theatre reopened as a live-theatre venue in 1998. A transferable density bonus was granted by the City to assist with the cost of preserving the building.

Henry Holdsby Simmonds (1883–1954) was a prominent architect in Vancouver, renowned for his significant contributions to the city's cinematic architecture during the early to mid-20th century. After relocating from Australia to Vancouver in 1911, Simmonds specialized in designing neighbourhood cinemas—many of which became cultural landmarks within their communities.

Surviving Cinemas Designed by H. H. Simmonds
Although most of Simmonds’ theatres have been lost to redevelopment, a few continue to operate today—either as cinemas or live theatre venues. Among these, only the Stanley Theatre remains in Vancouver as a functioning neighbourhood theatre:

• Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (formerly Stanley Theatre)
  Address: 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
  Opened: 1931
  Current Use: Live theatre venue operated by the Arts Club Theatre Company
  Status: Designated heritage building and restored landmark
  Note: The only surviving Simmonds-designed neighbourhood cinema in Vancouver still used as a performance venue.


• The Patricia Theatre
  Address: 5848 Ash Avenue, Powell River, BC
  Opened: 1928 (rebuilt after a fire)
  Current Use: First-run cinema and cultural venue
  Note: Attributed to Simmonds, the Patricia Theatre is the oldest surviving movie theatre in British Columbia.


• Odeon Theatre (Cineplex Odeon Victoria)
  Address: 780 Yates Street, Victoria, BC
  Opened: 1948
  Current Use: First-run cinema operated by Cineplex
  Architectural Style: Streamline Moderne
  Status: Listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places
  Note: Designed by Simmonds for the Canadian Odeon chain, it remains an active part of Victoria’s film scene.

Demolished Neighbourhood Cinemas Designed by H. H. Simmonds in Vancouver
Many of Simmonds’ neighbourhood cinemas in Vancouver have been demolished. These once played a key role in shaping the city’s local entertainment culture:

• Fraser Theatre
  Address: Fraser Street and East 47th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
  Capacity: 724 seats
  Status: Demolished


• Roxy Theatre
  Address: 2381 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC
  Capacity: 989 seats
  Status: Demolished


• Grandview Theatre
  Address: 1730 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC
  Opened: 1921
  Capacity: 922 seats
  Status: Closed in 1957; building repurposed for retail use
  Note: Designed by Simmonds for theatre owner Thomas Shiels, the Grandview Theatre served as a cultural fixture on Commercial Drive throughout the 1920s to 1950s. [Source]

Legacy
Simmonds' architectural legacy, particularly in the realm of cinema design, remains a significant chapter in British Columbia’s cultural and architectural history. His theatres not only provided accessible entertainment but also contributed to the unique architectural character of their neighbourhoods. While many have disappeared, those that remain continue to serve as living reminders of his design legacy.

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