Two heritage buildings to be restored, new façade for 1980s-era building in centre
The design of the upcoming Rec Room entertainment complex on Granville Street at the former Empire Theatres complex has been revised.
Studio One Architecture is no longer on the project with Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership taking over.
The development involves two heritage buildings, the former Palms Hotel building (1898) and the Paradise Theatre building (1913).
The Palms Hotel will see its façade revitalized, while the Paradise Theatre building will see a complete reconstruction, with only the large art deco façade remaining from the original building.
In between the two heritage buildings, an existing four-storey building built in the 1980s as part of the Empire Theatres complex will receive a new glass curtain wall façade. The architects say this building will serve as a neutral buffer between the two historical façades.
Construction on the Rec Room entertainment complex is scheduled to begin later this year, with completion in 2021. The complex will include a live performance venue, arcade, restaurants and a rooftop patio.
