The public will, part 2: The historical preservation of the Revue Theatre is in the public interest.
After listening to the owners, an expert on historical preservation, and the desires of the Save the Revue group in general, it is NorthRonces.com’s conclusion that the McQuillans fear historical designation too much, while the community should not take designation as any kind of guarantee that it will keep the Revue operating as a repertory cinema.
This said, if leasing the theatre as a cinema ultimately fails, or, if the owners just decide to sell because of some other unforeseeable external factor, historical designation would probably cost the McQuillans more than just a few dollars.
In terms of the public good, however, while designation may not stop the 95 year old theatre from being turned into a bookstore, it may ultimately stop it from being completely demolished or becoming a condo—unless the condo has a marquee, I guess. Further, historical designation may make it possible to receive grants or other funding from both private and public sources to refurbish important features such as the marquee. Overall, the equation suggests that it is in the community interest to support historical designation even if it is in the landlord’s interest to oppose it.
The McQuillans used the Globe & Mail article, “Heritage Homes A Hard Sell”, on behalf of their opposition to listing/designation.
Here’s what Catherine Nasmith has to say regarding said article in her e-newsletter Built Heritage News #84 (June 12 2006)…
Perhaps the McQuillans ought to keep that in mind…
Comment by Adam Sobolak — June 12, 2006 @ 6:59 pm
Hi Adam,
Thank you for the contribution. Your comment supports the position that heritage designation can actually be used as a selling point; an actual benefit to the property owner—as well as the community. At the Save the Revue meeting it was mentioned that housing prices are strong in Cabbagetown, at least in part, because it is a part of a Heritage Conservation District. The situations are not identical, of course, but I am sure that home owners in the North Ronces area understand that having a neighborhood cinema is a boon to their quality of life—not to mention their “cultural capital.”
NorthRonces
Comment by NorthRonces — June 12, 2006 @ 7:12 pm