The Roxy Theatre, the little movie house on Quadra Street that was built from an army-surplus Quonset hut in 1949 and has survived the storms of video and big-chain competition with budget ticket pricing, has a new owner today.
But movie-goers who like Roxy's comfy confines and cheap admission won't have to worry. The Roxy isn't changing its $5 double bills or $2.50 Tuesdays - and it's staying exactly where it is.
Michael Sharpe, a real estate developer who bought the Roxy from well-known Victoria entrepreneur Howie Siegel, said his goal is to preserve and improve the 324-seat theatre. He said the Roxy will undergo a name change, a facelift on the marquee and other improvements to concessions, lobby and washrooms.
Sharpe, 34, a Victoria native who grew up going to movies at the Roxy, will sign the deal with Seigel today. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Neil Kelly, the Roxy's manager for more than two decades, and the staff will stay on as terms of the sale, both sides confirmed.
"To me, the Roxy's always been an icon," said Sharpe. "It is Victoria's only independent movie theatre and it will always be an affordable place to go, especially in these days when disposable income is getting smaller and smaller."
Sharpe, a new father, said he is hanging up his toolbelt in real estate redevelopment to focus on operating the theatre. "I want to take it a few steps further to become a more visual and vocal part of the Hillside-Quadra community."
Siegel, 62, bought the Roxy in 1986 for $135,000 with his brother David and then-real estate agent David Butterfield (who went on to develop Shoal Point at Fisherman's Wharf and, more recently, the massive Loreto Bay development in Mexico).
Siegel said a combination of age, financial fallout from his recent divorce, a new relationship and busy acting career all combined in the decision to sell. He is still holding on to Pagliacci's with "absolutely no plans" to sell the popular downtown restaurant.
"I didn't want to sell the Roxy. I resisted it for quite a while," Siegel said yesterday. "It meant a lot to me. For more than 21 years it was a big part of my life. Michael was gently persuasive, and the right guy to sell it to."
Built by George Walky, who owned the drugstore on the corner of Quadra and Hillside (now Salvation Army), the Fox Theatre made quite an impression in 1949 with its curved walls, large screen and 414 seats. Walky along with partner and projectionist Ed Nixon operated the Fox until 1966 when they sold it to Barney Simmons. He showed new releases and later adult movies when the larger chains made movie selections more difficult for small operators to acquire. In the mid-1970s, Simmons changed its name to the Quadra Theatre.
Siegel initially operated the Roxy as "an art theatre" in the 1980s as the rental video business depleted the theatre-going crowds and the big chains opened multiplex- style theatres. But when giants such as Cineplex and Odeon started showing foreign and art films, Seigel struck on the "budget formula," showing $5 doubleheaders and $2.50 Tuesdays. It was advice, ironically, that came from long- time Odeon manager Pierre Gauthier.
"That's what made - and keeps making - the Roxy viable," said Seigel. "And it's still one of the best deals this city's got."
MichelleThis theatre has had a great facelift and it needs more Uvic students to watch the films. The bus is right on the same street. This is a super location for a movie house...
In the early morning hours of Sunday October 7th, numerous buildings at the Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site in Colwood were broken into and ransacked by vandals and a number of display items stolen. Among the items taken were a WWII Wedge Cap and a Cylinder of carbon rods (used in military searchlights) A number of doors and windows were also broken, Total damage amounted to about $2,000. No suspects have been identified at the present time. Fort Rodd Hill attracts roughly around 100,000 tourists and visitors each summer. Fisgard Lighthouse, the main gift shop, and the watch tower were not disturbed in the incident.
On 11/01/07, Seinfeld Fan wrote: > Starring voice actors Jerry Seinfeld and Renee Zellweger. > In theatres November 2nd. Check your local listings for > showtimes. > > > >
I'm a doing an essay on the No Child Left Behind Act for my high school English class. I would like some more ideas or aspects to look up and research for my paper. Thank you in advance for your help
I'm looking for support groups for falsely accused teachers, help in any way, websites that monitor public school superintendants, etc. The "system" we have in Pa. is just plain crazy. I'm looking for good people that want to help teachers fight back against a system that denies teachers their due process under the law. I'm not here to vent, I'm here to find a group to change the system, to one that holds superintendants accountable for their actions. Please help. Thanks.
On 9/29/10, Milauna Jackson wrote: > I am a student in LAVC and would like to bring to attention the > powerful impact of being falsely accused of sexual misconduct. > If any one would like to discuss their personal experience of > the effects of the accusation and events leading up to the > trial and post, please email me. Thanks, > > Milauna Jackson > > > > > > On 1/07/08, Sam wrote: >> >> Dave, >> I am in a situation similar to yours. Someone close to me has been falsely accused >> of sexual misconduct. Following the false accusations my friend lost his job. > There >> was no due process involved in his case. I am looking for a way to help him, as > this >> seems to be a frequent problem amoung teachers. There must be a way to fight >> back. If you know of any good lawyers or have any suggestions it would be most >> appreciated. >> Thank you, >> Sam
Can somebody plea...See MoreOn 1/15/11, sherri wrote: > On 12/23/10, Anonymous for this one wrote: >> >> It is SOOOOO easy to "get" a teacher anymore, particularly male >> teachers. > > Anonymous, I would like to get enough teachers together to make a > real "voice" to get something done to stop this. Anybody out there?
Can somebody please help me. I myself was accused 2 years ago. the ordeal is over and done with. but I struggle thansk to unwanted and unfair internet attention....i need help please. i was fasley accused and it was proven in the court of law..yet nothing has been done to help me.
Is your school thinking about offering environmental science for the first time or switching to a new environmental science program in the next two years? If so, then you may be interested in an opportunity for free professional development for environmental science teachers.
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