Approved by City of Ottawa Council, October 8, 2008, under the Planning and Environment Committee report 37a.
Written by City of Ottawa Heritage Planning Section with input from the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee.
Description of Property
Mayfair Theatre
1074 Bank Street
Mayfair Theatre is located in the community of Old Ottawa South in Ottawa.
Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest
The Mayfair Theatre’s cultural heritage value lies in its status as a rare example of a Spanish Revival style atmospheric auditorium, its history and its contextual importance within the City of Ottawa.
The Mayfair Theatre opened in 1932, during the heyday of the new ‘talking picture’ theatres, as the second Spanish Revival style atmospheric cinema in the city. It was built during a time of strong competition between movie palaces when new independent theatres tried to differentiate themselves stylistically from competing cinemas to attract business. The Mayfair is the oldest surviving movie theatre in Ottawa and the last of its type.
The Mayfair Theatre’s Spanish Revival style atmospheric auditorium (designed by Rene de Vos) reflects the theatre’s desire to highlight itself as a neighbourhood theatre, during a time of fierce competition in the movie industry that was prompted by the advent of elaborate movie palaces. Enclosed in a simple brick exterior, which harmonizes with the residential neighbourhood, the auditorium today still features many of its original Spanish Revival-influenced design elements. It exhibits a high degree of craftsmanship typical of the era, including a painted ceiling with ornate stone facades, faux balconies along the side walls which give the appearance of a Mediterranean plaza, wrought ironwork, and ornamental glass windows that complete the effect.
Description of Heritage Attributes
Key elements of the exterior:
- brick parapet
- simple brick details
Key elements that define the Mayfair Theatre as a good example of a Spanish Revival atmospheric cinema include:
Interior:
- painted ceiling
- ornate stone facades
- faux balconies
- light blue ornamental stained glass windows
- medieval style wrought ironwork
- proscenium arch
- door and false window surrounds
- ornamental plaster work
- clock
- wall sconces
Note: north addition not included.