Three years after a devastating fire, the Roxy Theatre is set to be rebuilt!

 

On Friday, MP Randy Boissonnault announced $330,000 in federal funding to aid in the reconstruction of the popular venue. The funding comes from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, which will support the construction of the new facility in its original location on 124th Street. The City of Edmonton has provided an additional $200,000, coming from the Community Facility Partner Capital Grant Program. Other costs will be covered by insurance and community support.

SOURCE: Edmonton’s Architectural Heritage.ca

 

History of the Roxy Theatre

  • The Roxy Theatre first set up shop on 124th Street in 1938 as a movie theatre. At the time, it was the only theatre in the city west of 104 Street (it even had air conditioning!).
  • The theatre was designed by local architect William G. Blakey.
  • In 1975, the facility founded their own theatre company.
  • It was later converted into a 200-seat live venue in the late 80’s, becoming an integral part of the Edmonton music scene.

But then on January 13, 2015, a fire tore through the venue, completely destroying it. Since then, the company has operated out of a smaller 140-person theatre on Gateway Boulevard that they call the Roxy on Gateway.

SOURCE: CBC.ca

 

The news was exciting for many.

“In the case of the Roxy Theatre, it is very important for us to be involved in the architecture and design of bringing this jewel in Edmonton’s crown back to 124th Street.” – MP Randy Boissonnault

The theatre is set to be rebuilt in its originally location on 124th Street, with additional rehearsal space. The cost is estimated at somewhere between $10-12 million. You can make a donation HERE.

The Roxy Theatre is set to open in 2020.

 

 

 

 

Filed under: Local Music, local venue, Roxy Theatre, yeg