(Following submitted by Dave Eatwell, Economic Development Coordinator for City of Centralia) The City of Centralia, current owner of the Fox Theater on Tower Avenue, has offered the art deco anchor of the downtown for sale. The landmark has been a fixture in downtown Centralia since it opened in September of 1930.
In 1982, American General Luxury Cinemas converted building to a triple-screen facility by bisecting the balcony to form two 250-seat screening rooms and retaining the 500-seat main auditorium. The last movie was shown in 1998.
The design of the building reflects the economic atmosphere of the time of construction, somewhat austere and simple in ornamentation, yet elegant. The exterior brick of varied colors still presents angular geometric forms, accented by vertical lines. The exterior south wall is the base for one of the dozen historic murals found throughout Centralia. The high west wall of the fly space still shows the motto? The Last Word in Talking Picture Entertainment!?
Inside, the proscenium, which remains in its original form, features carving and gold-leaf overlay. Though a bit shallow for elaborate dramatic productions, the stage still has all the hardware and fly space rigging needed for live performance. Chandeliers hanging from the 35-foot high ceiling are a star-burst design with brightly colored flairs radiating from the center.
Dominating the center of the orchestra pit in front of the 24-ft. high, 30-ft. wide screen was a Balcom & Vaughan 2/10 pipe organ. Though currently dismantled and now including some parts from the Grand Theater?s Robert-Morton 2/5 and the Hoquiam Liberty Theater?s Wurlitzer 2/4, the organ awaits installation.
Technical Data on the Fox Theater Year built:1930 Original Builder:W.T. Butler Company, Seattle Original Operator:20TH Century Fox Cost of Construction:$200,000 Footprint:8040 sq.ft. Commercial space:500 sq.ft. Original Capacity:1,250 seats Current Capacity: Main auditorium: 700 seats Ceiling height:35 ft. Upper auditoriums(2): 240 seats each Performance Facilities: Main Screen:24?H x 30?W Stage:45? W x 18?D Orchestra pit:45? W Fly space: 65? H Pipe organ:Balcom & Vaughan 2/10
Mechanical Systems Heat:Gas fired furnace Electrical: 600 amps
(Following submitted by Dave Eatwell, Economic Development Coordinator for City of Centralia) The City of Centralia, current owner of the Fox Theater on Tower Avenue, has offered the art deco anchor of the downtown for sale. The landmark has been a fixture in downtown Centralia since it opened in September of 1930.
In 1982, American General Luxury Cinemas converted building to a triple-screen facility by bisecting the balcony to form two 250-seat screening rooms and retaining the 500-seat main auditorium. The last movie was shown in 1998.
The design of the building reflects the economic atmosphere of the time of construction, somewhat austere and simple in ornamentation, yet elegant. The exterior brick of varied colors still presents angular geometric forms, accented by vertical lines. The exterior south wall is the base for one of the dozen historic murals found throughout Centralia. The high west wall of the fly space still shows the motto? The Last Word in Talking Picture Entertainment!?
Inside, the proscenium, which remains in its original form, features carving and gold-leaf overlay. Though a bit shallow for elaborate dramatic productions, the stage still has all the hardware and fly space rigging needed for live performance. Chandeliers hanging from the 35-foot high ceiling are a star-burst design with brightly colored flairs radiating from the center.
Dominating the center of the orchestra pit in front of the 24-ft. high, 30-ft. wide screen was a Balcom & Vaughan 2/10 pipe organ. Though currently dismantled and now including some parts from the Grand Theater?s Robert-Morton 2/5 and the Hoquiam Liberty Theater?s Wurlitzer 2/4, the organ awaits installation.
Technical Data on the Fox Theater Year built:1930 Original Builder:W.T. Butler Company, Seattle Original Operator:20TH Century Fox Cost of Construction:$200,000 Footprint:8040 sq.ft. Commercial space:500 sq.ft. Original Capacity:1,250 seats Current Capacity: Main auditorium: 700 seats Ceiling height:35 ft. Upper auditoriums(2): 240 seats each Performance Facilities: Main Screen:24?H x 30?W Stage:45? W x 18?D Orchestra pit:45? W Fly space: 65? H Pipe organ:Balcom & Vaughan 2/10
Mechanical Systems Heat:Gas fired furnace Electrical: 600 amps