Fox Fullerton Receives $1.65 Million Challenge Grant to Buy Theater

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the Fullerton City Council, acting as the Redevelopment Agency, voted unanimously to approve a $1.65 million “challenge” grant to the Fullerton Historic Theater Foundation for the purchase of the Fox Theater. The Foundation is trying to raise 3.5 million dollars by November to purchase the Fullerton landmark. The challenge grant gives a matching dollar for each dollar raised by the Foundation, providing half of the money needed to buy the theater. In addition, Linda Hawkins, Chair of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce, announced their endorsement of the project.

“It was amazing to hear so many council members encouraging the public to help with this project,” says Foundation President Jane Reifer. “Many have seen the beautiful restoration work that was done on the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. It started out in much worse condition than the Fox and now it has been fully restored.”

The Fox Fullerton Theater is one of three surviving courtyard theaters designed by Meyer and Holler, architects of the historic Grauman’s Chinese and Egyptian Theaters. Many architects have commented on the beautiful murals and fixtures still preserved inside the closed doors of the theater awaiting restoration.

“Now our fundraising begins in earnest,” continues Reifer. “We need everyone to help us make this happen with their donations.”

Winkleman Realty, a downtown Fullerton business, stepped up to the plate immediately, pledging a donation of $5,000.

Donations to the Fullerton Historic Theater Foundation can be made online or mailed in from a form on their website, www.SaveTheFox.org, or you can call (714) 607-0884 for a brochure. Donations are fully tax-deductible, and there is also an option of a “pledge” contribution. The pledge would only be called upon once the Foundation has raised the full amount to purchase the Fullerton Fox Theater.