We had often told our
landlord Abrar Galani that his factory building would make a
wonderful theatre. This building is right beside our former
60-seat Artword Theatre.
In
December 1997, he said to us, "I'm moving my garment
business. How would you like to make your theatre here?" We
pondered if it was possible and then said yes.
In the spring of 1998, we worked with architect James Bailey to develop the renovation plans. We applied for our building permit in late June 1998, but didn't get it until after the bureaucratic summer holidays, in early September.
1. Left: The factory in early October 1998, seen from Portland Street. Work has begun inside but there is not much to see yet.
2a. Right: Marshall Rublee and Shawn Caswell are building the entrance deck in late October 1998.
2b. Left: That loading door is now ( photo March 1999) a glass entrance with an automatic opener for wheelchair access.