The Roxx

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Hello again explorers,

Today we have another post regarding local Barrie history and the slow but certain changing streetscape of downtown. In a previous post of 'Then and Now', we took a bief look at the downtown property located at 46 Dunlop street formerly occupied by The Roxy Theatre.
Built for John Sasos, a local fruit vendor, the Roxy Theatre opened in 1931 and featured the latest technology of synchronized sound dialogue, also known as "talking pictures," or "talkies." The Roxy was a one-screen movie theater and had room for over 700 people to see a film or a live show. The elaborate enframements above the tall narrow windows suggest an Italianate style.
Sasos leased the theatre to Famous Players in 1968, and then to Stinson Theatres in 1977. The Theatre eventually closed and was re-opened as the Roxx Nightclub in 1989.
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Fast forward to today and this announcement from the owner former Barrie Mayor Rob Hamilton on the closure of The Roxx.

On Saturday, February 19th, management announced that the ROXX Nightclub would be closing it's doors. For more than two decades, the ROXX has been an integeral part of downtown Barrie and a staple of the area's nightlife. The long standing presence in the industry is rare and the management team is proud of the history of this nightclub. Despite the perseverance through the past 23 years, it's now time for a change and the ROXX is officially closing. The future plans for the establisment are still unfolding and we are unable to speculate about it's future at this time. We would like to thank all of our past and present staff and patrons for 23 years of memories. Please come out and join us for one last bash on Saturday, February 25th!
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Here is the MLS® Listing (# 1108032) posted for sale of the property which is currently listed for a sale price of $2,500,000.

General Description :
BUSINESS MUST BE PURCHASED W/BUILDINGS (SEE MLS#1108028). 17,000 SQ FT ON ALMOST .5 ACRE. 2 BUILDINGS W/8 TENANTS OCCUPYING THE SPACE. THE ROXX NITE CLUB IS THEANCHOR TENANT, CURRENTLY OPERATED/OWNED BY THE BUILDING OWNER.THE ROXX IS BARRIE'S BIGGEST CLUB, CONSISTING OF 7,000 SQ FT PLUS 2,500 SQ FT FOR ALL AGES, KNOWNAS "THE ROXX WEST". THESE BUILDINGS ARE SITUATED IN THE CORE OF BARRIE'S ENTERTAINMENT & SHOPPING.
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We deeply hope that our personal local hero, developer Mark Porter whose interest in buildings of local historical importantance or another such buyer with an interest in preservation may be able to secure the property and be able to evolve a viable business while saving the structure.
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