PENTICTON – The old PenMar theatre in downtown Penticton will become the south Okanagan’s first urban winery.
In a news release, Encore Vineyards Ltd. has announced the purchase of the building.
The company says modifications will begin soon to have it ready for 2016 vintage wine production.
The facility will include a retail wine shop, tasting bar and 40 seat outdoor patio.
Efforts by the PenMar Community Arts Society to raise money to restore the building into a performing arts centre were not successful.
In a statement, the PenMar Society board of directors says: “We are very saddened, on many levels, that we could not raise the amount needed in time to secure the old Penmar location.”
However, Encore will keep one of the theatres as a 75 seat performance space.
“Our aim is to create a downtown destination that the South Okanagan can be proud of while preserving the legacy of this vibrant, cultural landmark,” says Encore president Harry McWatters.
The PenMar opened in 1956 and was closed in 2012.