Heritage group lobbies for Capitol Tue, January 30, 2007 The report says no more holes are needed on Dundas Street. By JOE BELANGER, FREE PRESS CITY HALL REPORTER

A London heritage committee says the former Capitol Theatre building, threatened by demolition, should be designated for its cultural and architectural significance.

The London Area Committee on Heritage (LACH) submitted its reasons to designate the Capital and the former Bowles Lunch next door heritage properties to city council's planning committee last night.

The report was referred to staff to be included in a comprehensive review of the core, which is still struggling to revitalize in some areas, especially the section of Dundas the Capitol is situated.

"It's one of the first of the old (movie) theatres to open in the city," said LACH chairperson Joe O'Neil. "And it's important to the streetscape. We don't need any more holes (parking lots) on Dundas Street."

LACH says the theatre, now just a facade with a small commercial space, is a key marker in the downtown's evolution.

"It's construction in 1920 represents the evolution in the downtown from an earlier time when its focus was primarily commercial in nature to an age when mass entertainment was growing," the report says.

As well, the facade holds a variety of architecturally significant attributes hidden beneath the metal cladding such as the arched windows and terra cotta facing.

The former Bowles Lunch counter next door was built in 1928 and possess similar architecturally significant designs.

Downtown London's largest landowner, Shmuel Farhi, has backed off a threat to demolish what's left of both buildings at 204 and 206 Dundas, which were largely demolished to make way for parking.

Last month, Farhi said he'll wait eight months for the city to come up with a comprehensive plan for the downtown, including a possible parking garage. But Farhi had also asked council to back off efforts to designate the Capitol as a heritage building.

The city is planning to focus on a nine-block area bounded by Queen Street to the north, York Street to the south, Talbot Street to the west and Wellington Street to the east to find out how to revitalize it.

In a related issue, the planning committee was advised the 147-year-old landmark, Locust Mount, at 661 Talbot St., has been nominated to be listed as one of the top 10 Endangered Place by Heritage Canada.

Once owned by Elijah Leonard, London's mayor in 1857, and a senator from 1867 to 1891, the home was damaged by fire six years ago.

Its current owner, Drewlo Holdings, applied for a demolition permit but has agreed to hold off as the city tries to find a way to keep it standing. He plans to use the site for a high-rise development.