Lululemon Athletica / former Ritz Hotel site (Saskatoon)

 store / shop, hotel, bar, place with historical importance, demolished, retailer

 Upload a photo

The Ritz Hotel and Ritz Theatre on 21st Street East were owned by William (Bill) Geatros, a prominent member of the city's Greek community. In 1907 the building had been opened by James Clinskill as a men's wear and shoe store. The Bijou Theatre was opened in the same building in 1910. When Geatros purchased the building, he renovated the store into a hotel and renamed the theatre the Ritz.

The hotel had historical significance to Saskatoon's gay community as well. In late 1971 a group of gay men discussed the need to establish a regular drinking venue. The group’s choice was the Apollo Room at the downtown Ritz Hotel. Although the Apollo Room (adorned by murals of the lunar landing) was considered unattractive, it was spacious and relatively uncrowded. The Apollo soon had a sizable and committed gay and lesbian clientele that continued to patronize ‘the Ritz’ for many years. The management and staff welcomed the new clientele and dealt quickly and firmly with anyone harassing patrons.

The Ritz Hotel was sold and torn down in 1985, and a new retail building was put up in its place. The current tenant is Lululemon Athletica.
www.virtualmuseum.ca/pm.php?id=story_line&fl=&lg=Englis...
library2.usask.ca/srsd/chronology/?year=1971
www.lululemon.com