Mayfair Theatre owner surprised historic building up for sale

The owner of the Mayfair Theatre says he's been caught off guard by news that the historic buildinghousing his cinema has been listed for sale.

"Some customer came in and told my partner there was a listing," said Lee Demarbre, owner and programmer of the Mayfair Theatre. "It was alarming for all of us that we found out this way."

The building, near the corner of Bank Street and Sunnyside Avenue in Old Ottawa South, was built in 1932 and also houses Quinn's Ale House pub and the Opus Barber Shop.

We can't be gutted. It has to remain a cinema.- Lee Demarbre, Mayfair Theatre

The listing posted by an Ottawa realtor states the Mayfairhas oneyear left on its lease, and the rentthe theatre pays "is way below market value." According to the listing, the space "can be converted easily to other shops and will definitely bring greater return once fully occupied."

The ad goes on to state that the property has a lot potential for redevelopment, and includes an asking price of$2,999,900.

CBCmade several attempts to reach the listing agent on Wednesday morning, but has not heard back.

Heritage statusinside and out

The Mayfairwas designed as a Spanish Revival-styletheatre intended to suggestthe ambience of a Mediterranean plaza, and inside includes a painted ceiling, faux balconies and ornate plaster work.

Demarbresaid whoever wrote the listing failed to understand that those features, and others, ledto the building being granted official heritage status in 2008 by the City of Ottawa.

"We're protected on the outside and the inside," said Demarbre. "We can't be gutted. It has to remain a cinema ... that's what our heritage status states."

Under the Ontario Heritage Act, the property's owner would need city council's permissionto alter or teardown the building.

A plaque honouring the building's heritage status is currently mounted on the building's southeast corner.

"I'd like to think it meant something,"said Demarbre. "I liketo the think that the City of Ottawa will protect the building."

He added that he has yet to speak with the property owner since news broke of the sale listing, and he's hopeful he'll be able to continue screening films and hosting events in the historic building.

"We're having a really good time running our cinema," said Demarbre. "We hope moving forwardwe can just keep running it the exact same way."

WATCH |Owner of Mayfair Theatre worried about future as building goes up for sale

Owner of Mayfair Theatre worried about future as building goes up for sale

3 years ago

Duration 0:50

Lee Demarbre, owner and programmer of the Mayfair Theatre, says the building, which dates to 1932, was granted official heritage status more than a decade ago, something he hopes will protect the building from being demolished after it is sold.