Work is underway on the Imperial Theatre in Saint John, as masonry restoration specialists prepare the façade of the theatre for work that will likely last well into the winter.
“It depends on if the weather cooperates,” says masonry specialist Lowell Vance. “It’s nice to have to not deal with the freezing weather, but it’s coming and we can’t stop it.”
Lee Bolton, the executive director of the Imperial Theatre, says the work being done now is exploratory.
“Just standing here and looking at it, you can see there’s some things, that brick doesn’t look quite right and that brick there’s a bit of material falling off them, but like, it’s 101 years old,” says Bolton.
When the building was originally saved from the wrecking ball, virtually everything was restored, from the rear of the building through the interior, but not including the façade facing Kings Square.
Time has now caught up with the iconic landmark but it is unclear how much damage is beneath the façade.
“We all know, if you’ve ever done a home renovation, the moment that you open up the wall to see what’s there, scary moment,” says Bolton. “We haven’t got there yet, but that’s really where we’re at now, just looking around.”
Visitors are free to look around while the façade is restored.
“Like any older architecture, you’re not sure what to expect inside, but it’s absolutely grand as you walk in,” says Oklahoma resident John Luessehop, who was visiting Saint John on Tuesday.
“I think this is the most grand jewel that’s hidden in your city,” says Heather Luessehop. “It’s really lovely and we’re so happy we had the opportunity to come visit.”
Theatre officials are still awaiting estimates for the repair work.
With files from CTV's Mike Cameron
