Hey all. Here's a report on the state of the building. Sadly, it's really bad.
We entered through Pagoda Restaurant. I'd never been in there before and would never again, especially after seeing the kitchen! The 2nd floor of the building is ENTIRELY taken up by Pagoda, who use it for storage and fridges. The 2nd floor is where the hall would have been, but it's hard to imagine what it would have looked like completely opened up. But it was definitely never a "theatre", just a big open 2nd floor that's now all broken up into smaller rooms.
A small set of stairs lead up to the 3rd floor which was boarding rooms. A mixture of VERY small rooms [barely enough for a bed and a dresser] and larger rooms with washrooms and kitchens built in. I suppose all this could have been in worse shape. Structurally it seems somewhat sound. No sagging floors or collapsing ceilings, but in need of tones of TLC. I never went up to the attic [one of my partners did]. There are two staircases leading up to 2 separate apartments.
The deal is that apparently the owner bought the building for his wife 50 years ago to run. This is why he's been so reluctant to sell. He has some emotional attachment, but is family is pushing him to let it go.
It doesn't suit my or my partner's needs at all. Actually a bit relieved. I had visions of a theatre upstairs and a great opportunity that although at the top of our budget, would have been impossible to pass up. Happily/Sadly that's not the case.
Here are some photos regardless:
North End of 3rd story hallway looking South towards king. Boarding rooms on both sides.
Room in North West corner of 3rd floor on John Street.
Staircase to 4th floor at the South end of 3rd floor.