WATERLOO — The Original Princess art house movie theatre, a key cultural attraction in Waterloo's core for 34 years, is being forced to close.

Cinema owner John Tutt has rented the theatre space on Princess Street from the Huether Hotel since 1985.

But last Friday, in a move Tutt described as "sudden and unexpected," hotel management informed him that the cinema must vacate the space by the beginning of June.

He was told the hotel had already signed a five-year lease with a company that will provide virtual-reality experiences to customers.

Tutt said he wasn't given an opportunity to negotiate. He was told the other company will be paying more than double the rent he was paying.

"It's a real gut punch," he said.

Sonja Adlys, owner of the Huether Hotel, did not return several calls during the day Tuesday asking for comment.

Tutt said the movie theatre had seen one of its best years last year, despite disruptive construction on nearby King Street and the popularity of streaming services such as Netflix.

There's something deeply meaningful about watching a movie with others that lets you be "transported into a different place, a different point of view," he said.

"We got 27,000 people up those stairs and into the seats" with a mixture of art films, minifestivals, documentaries, Hollywood classics, live events and other experiences for the community, he said.

"The Original is successful."

Tutt owns the nearby Princess Twin cinemas on King Street as well. Their future isn't in doubt because he owns the building they're in.

However, with only two screens instead of three, his programming will necessarily become safer and less creative, he said.

Tracy Van Kalsbeek, executive director of the uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area, says she has heard concerns from local businesses about rents in the core area that continue to increase.

Some buildings have been reassessed and are showing higher values, she said.

ldamato@therecord.com

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Twitter: @DamatoRecord

- 'Glimmer of hope' for Original Princess cinema in Waterloo