Originally the Allenby Theatre, later the Roxy, was once located at 1213 Danforth Ave (east of Greenwood Ave on the south side) in The Danforth neighbourhood of Toronto.
Built in 1935/36, the Art Moderne style building was designed by Kaplan & Sprachman, who specialized in designing movie theatres. The renowned architect team created many of Toronto’s beautiful marquee movie palaces, including the Bloordale and Eglinton.
In the mid-1970s, the theatre was renamed the Roxy. It was a repertory cinema that screened older classic and noteworthy films. For a few years, the theatre was also named the Apollo.
The building received heritage status from the City of Toronto in 1985 and Ontario Heritage Trust in 2007.
The Imperial Oil company purchased the property, and in 2011, the restoration of the historic theatre was completed. The building once again features the former theatre’s facade, marquee and ticket booth. Today the building is home to Tim Horton’s and Circle K.
Allenby Theatre Photos
2021 – Allenby Theatre, later the Roxy, was once located at 1213 Danforth Ave 1936 – Allenby Theatre was once located at 1213 Danforth Ave, south side east of Greenwood Ave – on the marquee, Three Kids and a Queen and Broadway Hostess were playing (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 1117)1936 – Allenby Theatre, later the Roxy, was once located at 1213 Danforth Ave – notice the marquee has a clock and says “cooled to your comfort” (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 1116)2021 – Looking southwest from Danforth Ave, east of Greenwood Ave towards the former Allenby Theatre at 1213 Danforth Ave1936 – The auditorium of the Allenby Theatre (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 1118)1936 – The interior of the Allenby Theatre (City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 1121)2020 – The former Allenby Theatre, later the Roxy, on Danforth Ave, east of Greenwood Ave2021 – The restored front entrance and ticket booth of the former Allenby Theatre at 1213 Danforth Ave2021 – A display case inside the former Roxy Theatre lobby with ads and articles from the theatre’s past2021 – Allenby Theatre’s marquee and ticket booth2021 – An old ad for The Rocky Horror Picture Show playing at the Roxy, on display inside the former theatre’s lobby2021 – An ad inside the former Roxy Theatre’s lobby for “Rocky Horror” fans2021 – Allenby Theatre plaque2009 – Allenby Theatre prior to its beautiful restoration (Google Maps) 1950 – The Toronto City Directory showing the address and phone number of the Allenby Theatre (Toronto Public Library)
