Historic Sites of Manitoba: Rose Theatre / Towne Theatre / Venus Theatre / Festival Theatre (801 Sargent Avenue, Winnipeg)

This former theatre building on Sargent Avenue in Winnipeg, measuring 50 feet by 102 feet, was designed by local architect Max Blankstein and constructed in 1926 by contractor James Murray Reid and W. A. Irish and Company for theatre operator Nathan Rothstein at a cost of about $50,000. Named the Rose Theatre for one of Rothstein’s daughters, its grand opening was on 9 December 1926.

It was subsequently renamed the Towne Theatre (1964), Venus Theatre (1974), and Festival Theatre (1979). It is presently (2019) used as a children’s daycare facility.

Former Rose Theatre building (1979) Source: Jordan Makichuk Former Rose Theatre building (January 2019) Source: George Penner Former Rose Theatre building (January 2023) Source: Jordan Makichuk Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.89703, W97.16897 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Memorable Manitobans: Max Zev Blankstein (1874-1931)

Manitoba Business: Saul and Irish Construction Company / W. A. Irish and Company

Memorable Manitobans: James Murray Reid (1882-1933)

Memorable Manitobans: Nathan Rothstein (1882-1969)

Memorable Manitobans: Jacob “Jack” Miles (1887-1951)

Manitoba Business: Allied Amusements Limited

Sources:

City of Winnipeg Building Permit 2842/1926, City of Winnipeg Archives.

“Theatre contracts let,” Manitoba Free Press, 10 July 1926, page 7.

“810 Sargent Avenue - The Rose Theatre” by Christian Cassidy, Winnipeg Places, 30 January 2013.

“801 Sargent Avenue,” Winnipeg Architecture Foundation.

We thank George Penner and Jordan Makichuk for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 26 February 2024

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