This early stage theatre, and later movie theatre, was a significant icon in the City’s downtown area.  It’s ornate front façade and lobby and theatre are a beautiful contribution to the City’s history.  One early option was for a retail store to go into the building but, due to the sloped floors, this was deemed unfeasible.  A nightclub became the first non-theatre use in the building.  After a 7 year run, they moved out and a second night club owner moved in.  During the design process, he negotiated a deal with the Calgary Flames and the new establishment was named ‘Flames Central’.  There were numerous negotiations with the City Heritage Planning, the province’s heritage department, and the City’s Building Regulations department. Items that had to be resolved included upgrading of the marquee theatre sign canopy, leveling out of sloped floor areas, maintaining the visibility of the historic fabric and character defining elements, and using the colours from the original theatre’s colour palette.