In 1899 the horse and buggy era ended as residents and visitors could now travel down Yates Street on the city’s new streetcar. As change and invention continued, 564 Yates street also experienced a radical renovation in 1909 becoming the Majestic Theatre, the first movie theatre in downtown Victoria. Patrons could enthusiastically watch silent, black and white films, like “Bred in the Bone”, and “The White King of the Zaras” for 10 cents.
The life of the theatre was short lived and 1917 the façade was once again changed to its current restrained brick frontage. Over the years 564 Yates has been the home to the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (seeking to ban alcohol consumption in the city), a kitchen supply store and more recently, home of Hughes Clothing, which has relocated to Oak Bay.
