Coronet Theatre Façade Retention & Restoration

KWH Constructors was selected to supply and install the heritage façade retention system for the historic Coronet Theatre on Granville Street in downtown Vancouver. Originally constructed as the Paradise Theatre in 1938, the building is recognized for its distinctive Art Deco façade and sculptural artwork, which remain important elements of Vancouver's theatre district heritage. The theatre later operated as the Coronet Theatre and today the façade stands as one of the few remaining reminders of Granville Street's cinema era.

The project required the complete stabilization and preservation of the existing heritage façade while demolition and redevelopment activities proceeded behind it. Unlike conventional façade retention systems that rely on deep pile foundations, KWH installed a unique support structure founded entirely on reinforced concrete sidewalk foundations. Large concrete counterweight blocks were stacked behind the retention structure, eliminating the need for piles and minimizing impacts to adjacent infrastructure and utilities.

A significant challenge was preserving the original Art Deco artwork and decorative reliefs incorporated into the façade. Traditional façade retention systems typically utilize external walers spanning across the face of the building; however, these members would have obscured and potentially damaged the heritage features. To overcome this constraint, an alternative restraint system using high-strength steel tie rods that penetrated through the façade at carefully selected locations. The rods were secured by shotcrete anchorage behind the façade, providing the required lateral stability while leaving the original artwork exposed and fully protected throughout construction.