Press kit
Mission
The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation is responsible for the development and implementation of The Fox Theatre Vision based on a realistic and viable business plan while providing educational and community outreach programs.
Vision
The Fox Fullerton Theatre Complex, an architectural community treasure, will provide an unparalleled cultural entertainment experience while being the preferred destination for classic and contemporary live and cinematic arts.
Introduction
Throughout its eighty-year history, The Fox Theatre Complex has been a dominant feature in the heart of the downtown Fullerton business district. Until its close in 1987, The Fox remained an entertainment center for millions of North Orange County residents. The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation believes that the theatre can once again become a vital part of the community that will bring prestige, culture, visitors and revenue to the city.
The complex was commissioned by the Chapman’s, a prominent southern California family famous for popularizing the early Valencia orange industry. Originally named Chapman’s Alician Court, The Fox Theatre Complex consists of three adjoining spaces on one lot: the Theatre itself (21,025 sq. ft.), a two-story Italian loggia-style "Tea Room" (9,700 sq. ft.) and the 1929 addition of a 6-unit "motor court" (7,150 sq. ft.) commonly known as the Firestone Building at the actual intersection of Chapman Avenue and Harbor (then Spadra) Boulevard.
The Theatre and Tea Room section is a City-designated Local Landmark, and the Motor Court is a City-designated Significant Property. Application has been made to join the National Register of Historic Places – based upon “its particular architectural style and outstanding attention to architectural design, details, materials and craftsmanship,” as well as its identification with people “who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the city.”
Fox Special Features
Built in 1925 by Meyer and Holler and designed by Raymond M. Kennedy, The Fox Theatre offered a unique entertainment experience – from its courtyard "lobby" to its lavish interior. The Fox shares an interesting lineage. Kennedy also designed the Hollywood Egyptian for Sid Grauman (constructed before The Fox) and the most famous theatre in the world – Grauman's Chinese Theatre (constructed after The Fox). Meyer and Holler constructed many Los Angeles landmark buildings, including a majority of the early silent film studios that positioned Los Angeles as the center of the film entertainment industry.
The Theatre's forecourt, like that of the Egyptian and Chinese Theatres, was an innovative design that was used for Hollywood-style premieres. The theatre auditorium contains six large murals by the well-known mural firm of Anthony Heinsbergen and Company. There is further outstanding interior decoration by John Gabriel Beckman, most famous for his work on the Avalon Casino. In a town already known statewide for its murals and mural restorations, The Fox murals would pre-date the city's existing mural inventory. When Foundation volunteers began cleaning the theatre of debris accumulated over years of neglect, it was discovered that the original classical proscenium (stage opening) is completely intact, which is unusual for a theatre of this era.
The Fox was home to numerous premieres with stars such as Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Dolores Del Rio, Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, Telly Savalas and Jayne Mansfield, among many others. The Fox was also the home of one of the early Mickey Mouse Clubs, in the pre-television era when the clubs met in local theatres throughout the country. The Theatre was a beloved center of the community, where people met for news, entertainment and socializing.
The Foundation
The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation, a community based nonprofit public benefit corporation was established to meet the challenge of saving The Fox from demolition and restoring it to be a destination entertainment complex. With wide-spread community support, the Foundation raised nearly $2 million which was matched by a grant from the City of Fullerton sufficient to acquire the property in January 2005.
Under the guidance of Foundation President Todd Huffman, top professionals and volunteers have rallied to add energy and strategic thinking to create a business plan. Jon Wagner, a professional with many years of experience in arts management, has been appointed Executive Director. In addition to Mr. Wagner, the Foundation employs one full-time administrative assistant and one part-time associate handling accounts payable.
Strong Business Potential
The Fox complex sits at one of the highest profile intersections in North Orange County, with 68,000 vehicles passing by daily. It is located in Fullerton's downtown shopping district, which is an eclectic, thriving district of restaurants, banks and specialty retail shops that still retain its historic charm. The Fox complex has almost 17,000 square feet of available lease space, apart from the Theatre. There are no movies theatres in this downtown area, and the closest independent art film houses are over 10 miles away.
The Foundation contracted AMS Planning & Research to conduct a business feasibility study for a restored Fox. AMS specializes in research for cultural arts businesses. AMS estimates that The Fox will earn approximately 70% of its operating budget from facility rentals, ticket sales, service charges and fees. The remaining 30% of the annual operating budget will be made up through leasing of its commercial space – a significant advantage in the nonprofit performing arts world. In addition, the Foundation will seek contributions, grants and program sponsorships from area businesses, foundations and individuals. The 70% to 30% earned to contributed income ratio is comparable to other historic theatres and performing arts facilities. The complete AMS report is available upon request.
Rehabilitating The Fox
The Theatre and Tea Room spaces have been vacant and neglected since closing in 1987. Vandals started a fire in the auditorium. The fire did little damage; however, firefighters cut a hole in the roof to fight the fire, which was never repaired. Over many years rain, wind, birds and vandals continued to take their toll.
Since taking ownership, the Foundation has had the benefit of more than 3,000 volunteer hours in organized work parties cleaning debris in preparation for reconstruction work. In-kind support in excess of $250,000 has been received for roof repairs, electrical work and toxic materials abatement. The Theatre and Tea Room must meet numerous building codes including seismic reinforcement before the public events can take place inside.
The architect firm Westlake Reed Leskosky has been contracted to plan the rehabilitation. Total project costs are currently being assessed. Westlake Reed Leskosky has completed 75 historic theatre rehabilitation projects across the country.
The architect firm Westlake Reed Leskosky has been contracted to plan the rehabilitation. Total project costs are currently being assessed. Westlake Reed Leskosky has completed 75 historic theatre rehabilitation projects across the country.
To help build awareness for The Fox until its reopening, we have begun limited programming:
Movies on The Fox
This is a bi-monthly series of classic films projected on the outside stage house wall on the back of the Theatre. Our guests provide their own seating in the large parking lot behind The Fox. The presentations are free of charge but we do ask for contributions.
The Foundation has produced four Movies on The Fox to date. Each of the shows has included a cartoon, previews of our upcoming feature and some video on restoration projects that are similar to The Fox. Overall production values are equal to any of our local commercial cinemas. The digital projection and sound quality far surpasses the old drive-in movie experience we emulate. The public seems to agree as we are averaging 750 guests each evening and generating a small profit. Our marketing plan is to present seven Movies on The Fox annually.
F3 – Fullerton Film Festival
For four days last summer (August 3rd – 6th, 2006) the Foundation presented its inaugural Fullerton Film Festival marketed as F3. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez cut the opening ribbon at a special Movies on The Fox event. The Festival continued with 40 films presented in several Fullerton locations.
For additional information contact:
Jon Wagner, Executive Director,
Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation
(714) 870-0069
