Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre, or "The Alex" as it's known to locals, was built in 1907 in the beaux-arts architectural style, and is the oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre venue in North America. The building was Toronto's first steel-framed structure, and was built atop an open ice pit, making it one of the first North American buildings to incorporate some form of air conditioning. The high-end details and comfortable climate made The Alex an ideal place to watch live theatre productions. In 1963, the facility was purchased and renovated by Ed Mirvish. Over the next few decades, Mirvish staged his own productions at The Alex and re-established the entire King Street West area as Toronto's theatre district. In its 100-plus years, the theatre has been home to almost 3,000 productions.