If you have driven by the Fox Theater on Harbor Boulevard in Fullerton, you will notice that it is presently closed and under construction. Though it was closed and abandoned in 1987, the Fox Theatre has been an official landmark of the City of Fullerton since 1990 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in October 2006.

The move for restoration began in 2005 when the city of Fullerton began to raise funds by showing movies in the rear parking lot by projecting films onto the outer wall of the theater. With the support of numerous individuals and organizations as well as a $2 million in grants from the state of California in 2007, the Fox Theatre is currently in the process of reclaiming its former glory.

History:
The Fox Theatre was built in 1925 by C. Stanley Chapman to be a vaudeville and silent movie house and was originally named the Alician Court Theatre after Chapman’s wife, Alice. Designed by architect Raymond M. Kennedy of the famed firm, Meyer and Holler, known for designing the Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, the Italian Renaissance-inspired theater was once a jewel of Orange County. During its history, the theater changed owners and names a few times. The theater was at risk of demolition but was saved in the early 2000′s after a successful campaign to restore the old abandoned theater.

Features:
The theater had many unique features such as its open courtyard “lobby” allowing passersby to witness large crowds gathering for a show or premiere and its lavish interiors. Inside, one would see the large, handcrafted wrought-iron chandeliers, dimensional plasterwork, and hand-stenciled artwork throughout the building. The theater also had a tearoom ran by Alice. However, the tearoom was later leased as a separate restaurant which later moved. Also, the theater also once had six large murals created by Anthony Heinsbergen and Company. Unfortunately, the murals were painted over in the 1950s during the building’s first refurbishment. However, the original proscenium remains intact.

Current Progress:
The well-known triangular marquee and ticket booth in front of the theater has come down. Despite being the known sight for over sixty years, the original marquee used in the 1930′s was actually two-dimensional. However, the three-dimensional marquee will find a place elsewhere on the theater.

Future:
The old theater will be a self-sustaining cultural center, featuring independent and classic film, concerts, plays, and special events.

I drove past the Fox Theatre a few weeks ago. Right now, under construction, the place looks a little shabby. However, the beauty of it lies in being able to see a historical site. As to when restoration will be finished, I do not know. However, I am excited to see its completion and pay a visit to a grand sight and get a taste of the past.

To learn more the Fox Theatre and to stay updated on its renovation status, visit http://www.foxfullerton.org.

Are you looking forward to the completion of the Fox Theatre’s renovation? How do you feel passing by the theater while it is under construction? What are your memories of the Fox Theatre? Share with us your photos and memories!