FOX Theater

Several years ago, Spokane, Washington nearly lost one of its most architecturally significant historical landmarks: the Fox Theater. In May 2000, the community became aware that the Fox Theater was in danger of being demolished in order to make room for a parking lot to service a local athletic club. Over a period of four months, more than 1300 concerned community members helped raise $1.2 million to purchase the Fox Theater and rescue it from demolition. Formed as a result of that effort, the Fox Theater, a non-profit Washington corporation, and its Board of Directors have been working diligently ever since to develop a broad base of community and regional support to renovate this classic Art Deco theater as a regional performing arts center and home to the Spokane Symphony.

The 1931 Fox Theater, designed by Robert C. Reamer, was a well known and beloved landmark in Downtown Spokane. Anthony Heinsbergen, one of Hollywood’s most sought-after interior designers, created one-of-a-kind Depression-era murals which cover the walls of the lobby, mezzanine and lounges of the theater. A unique remnant of the era of exotic atmospheric theaters of the 1920s and '30s, it is the only remaining large Art Deco theater north of San Francisco.

When the theater was built (at a cost of $1,000,000), air conditioning was still a novelty and the term "air conditioning" was not generally used. Installed for the sizeable sum of $43,000, the air conditioning was the first of its kind in Spokane. At the grand opening, 50,000 people jammed the corner of Sprague and Monroe to see the movie stars.

The Spokane Symphony performed in the Fox Theater from 1968 to 1974, following the demolition of the Post Street Theater. An acoustical shell was locally designed and constructed to meet the orchestra's requirements for better natural sound than the movie theater provided; and the pit was covered by a front stage extension which created space for up to 100 orchestra and chorus performers. At that time, the Symphony was working toward professional status, and sharing the space with hit movies. In 1974, a new structure, The Spokane Opera House was funded by state investment, and The Spokane Symphony moved there for its opening.

The Fox was divided into a three screen cinema in 1975 and began showing discount movies in 1989. After near demolition, The Fox was purchased by the Spokane Symphony for $1.1 million in September 2000.

The renovation and rehabilitation of the Fox Theater is an important element of Spokane’s “Downtown Renaissance”. Today, Spokane is witnessing exciting changes and opportunities in its downtown core, due in large part to the revitalization of numerous historic and architecturally significant buildings. The Fox Theater is an integral part of the Davenport Arts District, an area of downtown Spokane that centers on the recently renovated Davenport Hotel, and encompasses a host of art galleries, theaters, restaurants and hotels. In addition to functioning as the home of the Spokane Symphony, the Fox Theater will also serve as a community performing arts center and a resource to a widespread regional audience.

Total projected cost of the project is $28.4 million, with $9.1 million raised to date. Contributions will help make the restoration possible. For information on how to donate to the Fox, visit The Fox Theater Website.

The Fox Theater Website