Architectural legacy—it’s in Vogue

Dennis Djonlich invested in and upgraded a beloved Fernie icon

The stamped tin ceiling at the Vogue theatre in Fernie is a perfect replica of the damaged original. — Kris Lindblad photo

Built in 1909 and dubbed the Grand Theatre, the brick building is a Fernie landmark. In 1949, it became a cinema and was christened the Vogue Theatre. Despite the fact that the building was chilly in the winter and that you could hear the other movie through the wall, the Vogue endured for decades as a favourite evening venue for Fernie residents.

A sentimental journey

Dennis Djonlich, a downtown Calgary office leasing specialist, spends most weekends in Fernie—recreating with his wife Roxanne and their two young sons, Cedar and Junah. The Djonliches are the quintessential active young Fernie family—skiing, biking and fishing with their kids.

Djonlich and his wife go on more movie dates in Fernie than they do in Calgary. Since Djonlich had already invested in some commercial real estate in Fernie, the decision to purchase the Vogue Theatre was an easy one. He said that buying the Vogue in July of 2008 was more than just a business move: it was inspired by feeling.

“We wanted to be part of the fabric of the town,” he said. “(Renovating the Vogue) has confirmed our love for the town.”

When asked if he had a project plan done up by an architect, Djonlich laughed. “That’s way too grown up for us,” he said. “We just went for it.”

The team of local contractors opened the walls and discovered a mess of ancient wiring and heating ducts that led to nowhere. The space between the lowered T-bar ceiling and the original high ceiling was the only space in the building with even heating.

On the upside, the brick structure of the building was in fairly good condition and the building held many esthetic surprises—like the lovely tin panels found behind the lowered ceiling.

Djonlich loved the damaged remains of the tin ceiling so much that when he couldn’t find replacement panels, he hunted down a company in Florida that makes the same pattern. The result is authentic and gleaming, illuminated by lights set into the crown moulding.

“It looks really sharp,” said Djonlich.

Modern technology

There are some things that aren’t true to the original—the sound system and high- tech soundproofing panels inside the walls. Djonlich sourced the special material used by the Jubilee Auditorium, and now the sound is excellent and uncorrupted by outside noise.

Some $50,000 worth of wiring and a quadrupled budget later, Djonlich remains enthusiastic about his project. The interior was completed in time for the blockbuster Harry Potter release—only one year after the purchase. Djonlich recalls the line of patrons that wrapped around the block.

“It was fun to see everybody’s faces, and hear their reaction,” Djonlich said.