Designed by John P. MacLaren in the Spanish-revival style, the Mayfair theatre was opened in 1932. It is one of Canada’s oldest surviving atmospheric theatres and is currently under the protection of Part IV for the Ontario Heritage Act, ensuring that it cannot be demolished or altered without authorisation from the city council of Ottawa (Public Affairs 2008, 30).Capital ward Councillor Clive Doucet, one of the officials overseeing the Mayfair’s designation under Part IV, referred to it as “an important landmark in our community” and further noted that it would “continue to contribute to Ottawa residents’ love of cinema and film.”(Public Affairs 2008, 30). His remark reflects the impact of the Mayfair on its surrounding community and its influence on film culture in Ottawa. The theatre was originally designed to hold a maximum of 620 people, but was reduced to 500 during the 1980s when the original chairs were replaced. Apart from this alteration, it has not undergone any other major changes in the past 87 years and has retained the unique aesthetic it was originally designed in. Although it's interior mimics that of a Spanish-style Villa with its Clay-tile balconies and cream and red paint walls, certain interior decor elements constantly evolve to suit the different films that are shown in order to enhance the viewer’s experience (Mayfair staff 2019, History page).Every component of its interior from the box office to the auditorium works to create an other-worldly atmosphere and celebrate the films shown which gives the theatre a sense of timelessness.