Description
The Majestic Theatre is a four storey domed building located at the corners of Duckworth and New Gower Street, St. John’s, NL. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Statement of Significance
Formal Recognition Type
City of St. John's Heritage Building, Structure, Land or Area
Heritage Value
The Majestic Theatre has been designated a municipal heritage building by the City of St. John’s for its aesthetic and historical values.
The Majestic Theatre has aesthetic value because it is a rare example of a triangular shaped building in the city. The Majestic Theatre is constructed in a vernacular architectural style with a Romansque Revival end tower. It is built on two city streets, meeting at a central domed tower, where the main entrance is located. This building is plainly adorned, with simple corner boards and moulded eaves. The tower has three visible sides with single hung windows located in each, and the rounded dome reflects this window fenestration with smaller windows in it. It was designed by William F. Butler and Harbour Grace Shipbuilding Company (William Smith foreman) were the main builders.
The Majestic Theatre has historic value because it was the birthplace of the famous political riot of April 1932, in which two thousand people gathered there to march to the Colonial Building. The Colonial Building was damaged in the riot and Prime Minister Sir Richard Squires had to be sneaked out of the building. The Majestic Theatre was also the site for Responsible Government rallies and the headquarters of the Confederate Party during the Confederation debate in 1948-49.
Source: City of St. John’s Municipal Designation Files – 390 Duckworth Street, St. John’s.
Character Defining Elements
All those elements of vernacular commercial architecture, including:
-triangular shaped footprint;
-domed tower with windows;
-plainly adorned facade;
-single hung windows;
-corner boards;
-moulded eaves;
-general massing and height;
-location on two city streets; and
-orientation, dimensions.
Location and History
Community
St. John's
Municipality
City of St. John's
Civic Address
390 Duckworth Street
Construction (circa)
1918 - 1919
Builder
Architect - William F. Butler, Builders - Harbour Grace Shipbuilding Company
Style
Other
Location
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