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Fullerton > Tour > Fox Theatre |
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WHAT ABOUT THE FOX THEATRE? | |
| * | Much is said about whether the city, or its citizens, should restore the old "Fox" theatre located at the north eastern corner of Chapman and Harbor blvds.
History The building was designed by Raymond Kennedy, of the construction firm of Meyer & Holler, in 1927. It is one of the last remaining theatres (glamour-era Hollywood style) in the county. Organizations: An organization has been formed to take upon itself the protection of "An Irreplaceable Community Treasure". The "Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation" is available for information regarding the theatre and what is done to preserve it. It's stated mission (according to their pamphlet) is the preservation and restoration of Orange County's historic and architectural landmark, the "Alician Court Theatre", and its associated structures. The theatre is better known today as the Fox Fullerton. "Our first priority is to protect it from immediate danger and further deterioration. We envision a partnership of citizens with the city, business leaders and property owners, to recapture the function and flavor of a popular theatre center in a lively downtown." Web Site: www.foxfullerton.org e-mail: info@foxfullerton.org Phone: 714-607-0884 s-mail: PO BOX 6753, Fullerton, CA. 92834 SAVE THE FOX FULLERTON THEATRE
//////////////////////////////// News worthy items: received 11/04/2006 by email; I have great news to share with all of you. The Fox Fullerton Theatre and the adjoining retail spaces on the corner, known as the Firestone building, have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service manages the list, which is posted on its website. It’s not very glamorous but if you would like to see our listing the link is here: http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/listings/20061103.HTM What does this listing mean for the Fox? It ensures that the Fox Fullerton Theatre Complex will be preserved for many generations to come. The complex cannot be razed nor can significant alterations to the exterior architecture be made. I have seen renderings for the renovation and note that there are plans to add a structure to the back of the Fox. Isn’t that a significant alteration? It is true that our plans include an addition to the building. The Register includes provisions for rehabilitating historic structures so that they can be made viable for modern business needs. The addition to the back of the Fox solves many issues with regard to audience access as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and support areas necessary for live performances. The addition will contain an entrance with an elevator and will be the most direct route into the Fox from the parking area for wheelchair patrons or those with difficulty in walking. The addition will also contain the seismic reinforcement required to bring the Fox up to current safety standards for masonry buildings. All this will be accomplished without altering the historic fabric of the Fox. Why else is it important to be listed on the National Register? There are significant Federal tax incentives available for rehabilitating historic buildings. The Fox will qualify for tax credits calculated at 20% of the cost of our project. Such tax credits can be purchased by for-profit companies so that the Fox will have cash to assist in completing the project - a significant part of our overall budget. All of us at the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation – our Board, professional staff and hundreds of volunteers – are very grateful for the work of Fullerton Heritage in completing the application for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. It is an arduous process that is much like a doctoral thesis in its scope. Fullerton Heritage members Debora Richey, Cathy Thomas and Kathryn Morris spent many hours and invested thousands of dollars under the leadership of President Tom Dalton to accomplish this goal. Our great thanks, again. |
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Fullerton > Tour > Fox theatre |