Context
Designed by Balch and Stanbery, the 1927 vintage Fox was a 1500-seat theatre for vaudeville and silent films. Commercial space fronted the street. In 1931 the stage house was replaced with a 2nd-screen cinema and stage, orchestra pit, and dressing rooms were removed. The auditorium interior was adapted for cinema projection and sound, decorative interior elements were removed for acoustical finishes as sound-on-film eclipsed live entertainment. The 40,000 s.f. cinema and commercial building remained vibrant over 60-years until urban dynamics forced the cinema to close and remain vacant for 17-years. Purchase by the City in 2006 re-envisioned the Fox as the prime performing arts center serving a regional demographic of 2-million people. Increased to 1650-seats and former 2-story commercial areas dedicated to theatre usage, today's Fox showcases restored auditorium and lobby areas with original 1927 character plus expanded lobby and performer support areas.
Program
A mandate for self-sustaining operation was primary to the rehabilitation and adaptive redesign of the Fox. Seismic analysis indicated the theatre and commercial building were inadequate for seismisity in the area and assembly occupancy. Earthquake risk reduction required gunite strengthening of concrete and URM walls, additions to foundations, and braced steel framing. Life safety requirements accompanied accessibility and energy efficient mechanical, electrical, and theatrical specialties. Damage from earthquakes, basement flooding, and vermin infestation required removal of interior finishes throughout. Vandalized and stolen fixtures, equipment and interior furnishings required replacement. Performance and audience additions were required to support live music, dance, drama and music-drama.
Budget
The centerpiece of a $110-million downtown redevelopment funded by a local bond issue, Fox construction, excluding land costs and fees, was $35-million. Construction was completed 60-days before the re-opening gala, allowing 2-preview-shakedown events.
Design
Lateral force resistance for the original buildings derives from new stagehouse construction and increased balcony concrete and steel framing. Design comprises restoration of the original exterior and sensitive use of scale and detailing in new additions for compatibility with the original period of significance. Interior plaster ornament and details were drawn full-size and recreated from photo records. Theatrical systems and equipment retract into the auditorium ceiling as appropriate for specific mediums of performance. Main and balcony seat platforms are expanded and re-elevated for comfort and to fully view the playing area of the stage. Stagehouse replacement allows scenery and lighting for large cast musical and dance productions. The back-lot addition offers cast security and multiple on-site truck slots for labor/time efficient scenery and equipment load-in with separation from the wardrobe/performer areas and entrance. Within 6-months after completion of construction a 3-level parking building with retail and restaurant tenant space began development, replacing blighted property immediately north of the Fox. |
