The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation and the City of Fullerton celebrated progress this week as renovations to the historic Fox Fullerton Theater moved forward with the dismantling of the marquee on top of the theater.The classic “Fox” lettering from the sign was taken down and will be repaired and stored until work on the theatre and its surrounding buildings is complete. A new and historically accurate marquee will be given a prominent place on the landmark theater as part of Phase 2 of the renovations.
“This was a huge moment for everyone who has supported the revival of the Fullerton Fox and its rightful place as the center of our local arts community,” said Leland Wilson, former Fullerton mayor and president of the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation.
Wilson has been one of many community members leading efforts to promote the theatre’s presence in the community and its promise to rebuild a thriving motion picture and performing arts space in the heart of Fullerton.
“The City of Fullerton has been very supportive of the Fox Theatre's renovation and is extremely excited to be a partner in such a milestone event for the Fox,” said Ramona Castaneda, acting director of the Fullerton Redevelopment and Economic Development Department.
“The historic renovation of the theater complex will make a wonderful addition to our vibrant downtown.”
The Fullerton Redevelopment Agency is funding a portion of the $26 million renovation cost.
Wilson said residents might be surprised to learn the current marquee was not an original part of the Fox’s architecture. The theater’s original design featured an open courtyard entrance with a flat marquee advertising the theater’s offerings. The current marquee was added in the 1950s to take advantage of the increasing traffic on Harbor Boulevard (then called Spadra Road).
Restoration plans call for a historically accurate two-dimensional marquee that more closely resembles the marquee in use at the theatre in the 1930s.
The Fox was built in 1925 by C. Stanley Chapman, son of Charles C. Chapman, Fullerton’s first mayor. Then named the Alician Court Theatre after Chapman’s wife Alice, the theater was designed by the renowned architectural firm of Meyer and Holler, which also designed the famed Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood.
In addition to the Fox itself, renovations will also include more than 17,000 square feet of retail property in the Firestone and Tea Room buildings surrounding the theater, which are also owned by the Historic Theatre Foundation. The Fullerton Redevelopment Agency is funding restoration of those two buildings.
Wilson said the renovated commercial space is expected to generate upwards of $500,000 per year for the restoration, as well as funding of operations once Phase 1 of the project is completed.
As part of the ongoing fund-raising efforts, the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation is offering naming rights to the new marquee. Wilson said interested donors can contact the Foundation at info@foxfullerton.org.
Additionally, this September, the Foundation will host its annual “Hollywood in Fullerton ”that celebrates the theater’s future and diverse uses.” Proceeds from the event will go to continued restoration efforts at the theater.
Source: City of Fullerton
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