 Edmonton ’ s native Magic Lantern Theatres unexpectedly tried to buy the Princess for $ 500 @,@ 000 on Christmas Eve 1996 . A condition in the Brar 's contract stated that the sale could be voided if another party bid at least ten percent more for the building . However , the Brars exercised an option to match any higher bids , and the sale went through in early January 1997 . 
