It has been 20 years since an anonymous donor, known as “Clarence” to the community, saved the Fox. The theater had been closed for 37 years and was in disarray until now. Thanks to a $2.5 million California State Park grant led by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, Phase 2 of the Fox project is undergoing significant improvements. This includes a new environmental system, a restored lobby, and larger restrooms.

The public will be able to see and use the new facilities on June 21st during the Day of Music Fullerton event. This will be the first public event at the Fox since 2019. See event times here.

“We started this phase in late 2019, and we’re so excited to finally host an event after all the delays of the pandemic,” says Day of Music Fullerton Board Member and President Brian Newell, “On June 21st the public has an opportunity to not only enjoy a free music event featuring local artists but to check out these new improvements.”

The completion of Phase 2 required a certificate of occupancy from the City, which involves operating restrooms and air handling systems and meeting ADA requirements. Due to the COVID shutdown and supply chain issues, construction costs tripled, leading to delays.

Grant funds were used to restore the lobby, including repairing water-damaged sections of the ceiling and upgrading the fire system. A team of scenic artists has been hired to restore the original color and texture of the lobby walls. The new restrooms are modern and ADA-compliant, with custom cabinetry built by Wood Cut Furniture in Fullerton. Fox Board Member Todd Huffman expressed the significance of having operational restrooms after 20 years and emphasized the beauty of the new facilities.
The air handling scope, costing over $1 million and led by Western Allied of Santa Fe Springs, includes modern and efficient equipment, controls, and ducting. Further improvements, such as AC and heating for the stage and dressing rooms, will be part of the next phase. The total investment into the project exceeds $16 million, including the $3.3 million purchase in 2005. Most of the work done is not visible to the public but is vital for the safety and functionality of the venue.

A video showcasing the project’s progress will be premiered during the Day of Music, and printed materials will be available for the public.
Those interested in contributing to the project can contact https://www.foxfullerton.org/donate.

The Fox Fullerton is a 1925 “Courtyard Theatre” constructed by prominent local businessman C. Stanley Chapman, the son of Fullerton’s first mayor, Charles Chapman. It closed in 1987 and was purchased in 2005 by the non-profit organization the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation (started by Jane Reifer, Chuck Estes, and Richard Odle), which saved it from the wrecking ball. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When the Fox is completed, it will be an entertainment venue with live music, dance, films, and community events.