What if this gas station could tell tales? Here at the Allenby Theatre Plaque, it’s a story of transformation and preservation. The Allenby Theatre wasn’t always a place to fill your gas tank. It began its life as a cinema in 1935.
Kaplan and Sprachman designed the Allenby Theatre. This architectural firm designed many neighbourhood cinemas. The Allenby quickly became a landmark. It stood out due to its Art Moderne style. It stimulated economic development on Danforth Avenue.
In the 1930s, the Allenby Theatre was a hub for neighborhood kids. They could join the Popeye Club. For just ten cents, they watched a double feature. They also enjoyed two episodes of Popeye cartoons.
The Allenby Theatre transformed in the 1970s. Gary Topp and Jeff Silverman ran it then. They introduced midnight screenings to Toronto. The Allenby dared to show films like John Waters’ Pink Flamingos. It also hosted early punk rock performances.
From 1976 to 1983, the Allenby became famous for The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Every week, fans flocked to the theater. They dressed up and threw toast. They yelled at the screen during the movie.
In its later years, the Allenby was part of the Festival chain. These cinemas showed repertory films. Later it reopened as the Apollo Theatre. It screened Greek language films. It still had hand-painted Star Wars murals.
Sadly, the Allenby Theatre closed. The building sat vacant for years. In November 2009, most of it was demolished. In its place, an Esso gas station and Tim Hortons were built.
But the Allenby’s story didn’t end there. The Art Deco facade was saved. It earned a listing as a building of heritage interest. The facade was restored. The Allenby Theatre marquee and ticket booth were rebuilt.
Today, a commemorative plaque stands here. It marks the site as a heritage site. Historical photos are displayed inside. The Allenby Theatre lives on in memory. The conservation has reinvested in Danforth Avenue. The restored facade provides a lively street edge. It pays tribute to the community’s collective memory. So next time you’re filling up your gas tank here, remember the Allenby Theatre. It was more than just a movie theater. It was a community hub, a cultural icon, and a piece of Toronto’s history.