The rendering above from The Evening Record – October 14, 1913.
Architect Unknown.
- “The above is the archltect’s perspective of the new proposed Empress
Theatre, which will he erected opposite the Joseph Appelbe Company’s stores on Pitt street.
The building when completed will be one of the most modern and up to date in Western Ontario
and a credit to this city. The interior decorations will be of old ivory and gold, with fancy
lighting fixtures. There will be ladies’ parlors and retiring rooms and a smoking room for men.
There will be room for five stores on the ground floor and fifteen offices on the second
floor.
The place will have s seating capacity of 1,400 people and the stage will be large enough to play
any production that can be taken care of on any Detroit stage.
The front of the building will be constructed of white terra cotta. A large marquette will be constructed
over the entrance to the theatre. The building is being erected by the Empress Theatre company which is
being promoted by Mr. W. W. McEwen., formerly manager of the Windsor theatre.”
Not sure where Joseph Appelbe Company was but is this the same theatre as the Empire Theatre which was on Pitt?
Is it possible they scaled down their plans, and built this?:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkerpub/5498306184/
I bet you’re right Robert P.
Regardless, it would have been torn down anyway as most things are in this city.