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The history of Fox Theater is gathered from many internet and text sources. Though every attempt is made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. All rights reserved.
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BuildingsOfDetroit.COM > Places > Fox Theater
| Fox Theater |
2211 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
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| Status: |
Open |
AKA: |
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| Style(s): |
Oriental |
Architect
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Charles Howard Crane |
| Owner: |
Ilitch Holdings
| Architectural Firm: |
Unknown |
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The marquee of the fox by night |
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Designed and built for the 20th century Fox chain by C. Howard Crane in Oriental style in 1928. This palace contained 5,000 seats and a unique mix of Egyptian, Far Eastern, Indian styles to create a palace like no other. The lobby is a half-block long and is 6 stories high. The Fox has 2 organs, a 4-manual 36-rank Wurlitzer in the auditorium and a 3-manual 13-rank Moller organ in the lobby.
The Fox opened on September 21st, 1928 with the silent film 'Street Angel.'
Over the years the Fox held Vaudeville, live stage, news reels, organ concerts, and 35 cent talkies.
In the 1950's, the Fox held many premieres and concerts. As Detroit began to decline in the late 60s and 70s, it later switched to kung-fu and horror films.
The Fox was beginning to become a run down theater. It was later purchased in 1987, and went through an 18 month, $12 million restoration to return the Fox into its original grandeur. A new multi-story marquee was made to replace the badly altered original.
On January 12th, 2006, Atanas Ilitch of Ilitch Holdings announced the recreation of the tower sign on the roof of the Fox. It was completed and dedicated January 30th. 2006. The $500,000 multistory tower features 18-foot-tall letters spelling out 'FOX' on four sides, topped off by a dodecahedron star. The sign has a computer controlled L.E.D. light system that is capable of many lighting colors to reflect anything from holidays, seasons, or special events.
Today the Fox is a successful result of preservation and restoration that could be done to Detroit's other buildings. The Fox holds special events and concerts, including the Rockettes.
Official Website: www.olympiaentertainment.com/fox |
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