1920 – Allen / Strand Theatre, Vancouver, Canada
Architect: C. Howard Crane
One of a large chain of 45 purpose-built cinemas owned by the Allen brothers, Jay J. Allen and Jules Allen. An American from Detroit, the architect C. Howard Crane had opened an office in Windsor, Ontario, to attend to the numerous projects he worked on in Canada. In 1923, after the brothers ran into financial difficulties due to overextending themselves, the company was acquired by Famous Players. The street facade is similar in design to their theatres in Winnipeg and Toronto. Opened on August 13, 1920, as the Allen Theater, it cost $300,000 to build in just six months. Later known as the Strand Theater. Closed on September 3, 1973, and demolished later that year.
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Published April 8, 2026
