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Built in 1928, the 3,800-seat Fox is one of the West Coast's largest and among America's finest Art Deco movie palaces. The theater closed its doors in 1965 but it is now being renovated as a performing arts center and future home of the Oakland School of the Arts. A restored Fox will be a dazzling new venue for Oakland and will form a cornerstone to a newly revitalized uptown neighborhood. The Partners in Preservation grant is being used to restore the Art Deco ticket booth at the main entrance of the theater. The project is nearing completion and a grand re-opening of the theater is expected to take place in January 2009.
What is the significance of this site in the community? As one of the earliest and largest vaudeville theaters on the West Coast, the mammoth scale and elaborate Art Deco splendor of The Fox gives it a lead role in local cinema history, while distinguishing the cinema palace as an architectural gem worthy of preservation.
What makes this place special for people? The Fox is an important piece of Oakland history , a site of significant architectural interest and potentially a major tourist attraction. Once restored to its former glory, the Fox will once again be a community landmark for all the citizens of Oakland to enjoy.
Why is this site not being used? Long-term disuse has left the theater in need of extensive restoration and repairs. While community redevelopment funds are assisting the Fox, additional financial support is needed for essential repairs such as restoration of the ticket booth and terrazzo at the main entrance of the theater.
What is the current use of grant money and/or state of restoration? The Partners in Preservation grant is being used to restore the Art Deco ticket booth at the main entrance of the theater. The project is nearing completion and a grand re-opening of the theater is expected to take place in January 2009.
Where can I learn more about Fox Oakland Theater? [Click here].
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