Village Squire, 1980-03, Page 7The Opera House as it appears in 1980.
holes in the floor boards and rough timbers and trusses that had
been used for support. Plank floors had been covered by
concrete, and the elongated gothic windows had been cut in half
by an additional cement floor. Silos left holes 8 feet in diameter
every storey. The winding staircase was gone; the steps leading
to the upper floors were narrow and rickety.
In 1980 the Block is still vacant except for the street level of the
building on the corner of Water and Queen, which houses a
Priceguard store. Trifid and Toronto architect Bill Bennett have
been investigating possible developments for the remainder of
the block. Mr. King explains the instability of the economy in
recent years forced them to delay action, but now he feels the
economy has levelled off enough that they can begin.
Tentative plans include a quality restaurant, lounge, meeting
rooms and a small convention centre in the old stone mill behind
the Opera House. A walkway could lead to the Priceguard
building in which the two top storeys could be turned into 20
hotel units. St. Marys does not have a hotel or motel. Mr. King
anticipates the 20 -unit hotel would be filled during the summer
because of the Stratford Festival just 12 miles away, and in the
winter, he estimates 50 to 60 per cent occupancy rate. The
convention centre would be ideal for small industries and
businesses holding seminars.
FARMERS' MARKET?
Another interesting idea, that has yet to be proved feasible, is
the establishment of a farmers' market. The architect suggested
lowering the 60 -foot silos behind the Opera House building to 20
feet, putting a roof over them and opening the sides to provide
stalls for a local farmers' market.
Total development of the entire Opera House Block could be a
$2 to $3 million venture. The biggest problem is the Opera House
itself. The street level could be leased once again by commercial
shops, . but the restoration of the auditorium would be a
phenomenal task.
Trifid has two ideas for the auditorium - turning it back into
theatrical usage, the ideal concept but also the most expensive,
and turning it into an interior mini -mall. Some time ago Mr.
King discussed with Stratford Festival organizers the feasibility
of incorporating the restored auditorium into festival activities,
but he received no definite response.
Realistically, Mr. King feels the prime concern at the moment
is to have the Opera House building designated as a heritage
FOR EASTER
Easter Cards
by Rustcraft & Gordon Fraser
Homemade Easter Solid Chocolate
All Shapes and Sizes
Easter baskets and stuffed toys
All Spring Fashions
for your Easter Wardrobe
LARONE'S
527;1960 Open all day Wednesday
SEAFORTH
VILLAGE SQUIRE/MARCH 1980 PG. 5