Fox Theatre

I lived in Redlands a good part of my youth and this is a theater that is perfectly positioned to be the centerpiece of a restoration. Redlands has some cool old buildings and this is one of the best. It is fairly well kept and I suspect that the reason that no-one has offered to restore it, or that it hasn't been restored is that Redlands is really in the middle of nowhere. It's about half way between LA and Palm Springs and if you are looking at it as a business investment, maybe it's not the most appealing location. However, I know when a couple of old buildings bordering the theater were used, they were very popular. I think that if the theater was restored that people would come.

the theatre was built in 1927 but was not open until 1928 that is a common misconception the theatre itself sits in the middle of the block and is not visible to the naked eye because of many little shops in the way it has been there in this condition almost untouched scene 1975 when supposedly the new owners put 360,000 dollars into it to try and renovate it and because it was not enough rather than put the last 120,000 that it need at that time they called it quits the building itself is solid concrete and so has no problem weathering the sands of time it just needs a loving hand to nurse it back to health

Just like TNRC75, I lived most of my youth in the Redlands area (the neighboring community of Yucaipa. I've been back to the area every couple of years or so, for a reunion or event of some kind, and I always drive by and wonder about this old theatre. I'm in Redlands today (8/10/02) attending the 30th anniversary of the Redlands Theatre Festival, and I stopped to actually take a walk around the building. I've thought for years that it would be wonderful to see that theatre restored and reopened. Whether it is restored to a classic condition, or to a new modern cinema, I think it would work and people would come. One vision I've had for it is to open it as a modern, combination art-house cinema and eatery such as has opened in cities like Seattle and Anchorage. I know this might offend those who view a classic restoration but I would support that idea too, if it were to happen. It just pains me to see that building boarded up. Just like TNRC75, I USED to think that Redlands was in the middle of nowhere, but after seeing downtown Redlands today, with the new businesses and the younger families that are moving here, I'm convinced that people would come to that theatre if it were re-opened. What can one do to make it happen? -Dennis

Everyone! - Your prayers have been answered. The Redlands Fox has been purchased by a couple of developers who too love the Fox and wishes to see live performances brought back. I was so excited about this, that I contacted them and created a website dedicated to the progress. Visit the following site at least once a week... http://www.redlandsfox.com

It is really great to see the progress being made on this landmark structure. Both the Fox and the Rainbow theatres (which will ultimately be only the Fox)are being finally cared for by people that have a higher purpose in life than just "turning a buck". The new owners are to be complimented on their dedication to restoring the Fox to its earlier grandeur.

Sad news, the Fox theater is NOT going to be restored by the new owners. The Rainbow Theater is officially demolished and the fate of the Fox Theater is yet to be determined, but it does not look good.

The Redlands Theatre opened in 1929 and was styled in a Mission Revival treatment on the interior.

It had a 40ft wide proscenium opening and a stage 32ft deep. In the 1940's the stage house was converted into a seperate theatre, known first as the Grove, later the Rainbow. http://cinematreasures.org/theater/9678/

I had never thought to check the Redlands theaters before now, so I hadn't seen the picture of the Fox. Having seen it, I find the look of it familiar, though- especially that third floor pavilion over the entrance. That was a characteristic of many of the theaters designed by L.A. Smith in the early-mid 1920s. I checked the L.A. Library's online regional history database, and found a card for an article in the April 8th, 1927, issue of Southwest Builder and Contractor, in which L.A. Smith's plans for this theater were published. It looks as though this is yet another of those projects the plans for which Smith began before his death, and which were carried to completion by Cliff Balch.

The Fox was the local theatre of my childhood days in the seventies. It may have just been my youthful perspective, but I remember her as huge, impressive, and beautiful, though she was already well past her prime.

The place was massive, her already cavernous first floor supplemented with a large balcony area from which half-chewed Milk Duds were regularly jettisonned with glee. I recall the huge pillars that lined the aisles; a truly gigantic screen with its equally enormous curtain; even the carpet was classic, all garish colors, curlicues and flourishes. The Fox really gave you the sensation of what going to see a movie must have been like during Hollywood's heydey. By the time I came on the scene, of course, she was lucky to fill a tenth of her seats at a showing.

Some time around 1982, the balcony was removed and converted into two smaller-screened theatres. I remember even then feeling that something important had been lost. Around 1988, she closed her doors, seemingly permanently. The marquee is still there to this day, and whenver I'm in town I like to drive past it and soak in the nostalgia.

It has always baffled me that nobody has yet restored this theatre. There are clearly enough moviegoers to support it -- Krikorian recently opened a huge multiplex half a mile away -- and given the size of the screen and the nostalgic appeal, you'd think it would be a sure thing. No doubt the huge price tag is what has kept investors away, as well as the amount of work that would have to go into restoration. The place has gone completely unused for nearly two decades, and must be in pretty nasty shape.

Here is a recent photo of the former Fox Theater.

Here's another picture from a different angle.

So this theater has been restored very nicely, albeit not perfectly. I'm just glad that it wasn't razzed. It's not on the national register but we locals have always loved this building. I own a shop 2 doors from the marquee on Cajon & I love it! It was a blessing that some interested parties finally renovated the place. Although the actual theatre was de-screened & de-seated it was not gutted out. If ever a preservationist movie buff moves in the room will be ready for it! Until then, at least it's still standing!

This is a 2008 photo.

Here's a painting, circa 2007, by renowned local artist Christine Curry. Her murals grace many buildings in downtown Redlands. I think this painting is for sale!

It appears to be office space judging by the 2008 photo.

Thats amazing. The caption with the photo reads "Redlands, Calif: The ca. 1928 movie house fell into ruins and now is being turned into offices". Great guess.

Thanks. Your photo didn't have a caption, of course, as you posted it. If I was to click on "Back to Flickr page", as I just did, I then see the caption. Look before you leap, as the saying goes.

I try to post the expanded view because some people don't know how to expand the photo. When I do that, the caption is lost unless you click the back to the Flickr photo page link.

During the excitement of renovating the Fox, I used Photoshop to recreate the interior and foyer from old photos. Unfortunately, the owner decided against turning it back into a theater, so all we have left are memories. Here are some photos I collected including my recreations.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10700685@N08/sets/72157606096703157/

schneb, you did a really good job! Your memory was not fading.

Thanks Meredith! Long term memory seems to be fine. I wish I could say the same when I'm standing in the middle of my garage wondering what I had come in there for.
The recreations took a long time. However, it was fun and nostalgic at the same time. Like fixing up a old Chevy. ;)

HAAAAAAAAA

1981 Photo

1983 Night Photo

Here are some photographs of the Fox that I took on June 20, 2009.

Whole building: http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3654572826/
Front of theatre: http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3653774595/
Display room 1: http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3654570896/
Display room 2:http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3654570276/
Brief history:http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3653772197/
Lighting detail:http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3653770479/

Display room 2: http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3654570276/
Brief history: http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3653772197/
Lighting detail: http://www.flickr.com/photos/achangeinscenerymovies/3653770479/

oops.

Ha-ha, it's open again! I'm happier than a chicken dumplin. Can you all imagine how happy that is???!!!

Yes "she" is open again!! The first show is July 4th 2009 with Big Dave Little and Friends. A new stage is coming in today!!!! Check http://www.myspace.com/bigdavelittleband for more info

Note: BDL as "David Sea Little and Friends" performed the first rock concerts ever in the Fox in 1977. This opening show will be the first show in over thirty year at the Fox. Please come out and enjoy "her" new stage July 4th. Admission is FREE!!!

So Sorry Admission is NOT free, it is $5
(got to pay the bands something!)

It starts at 8pm
Doors open at 7:30
Call the Fox Event Center for more info 909-528-0255
123 Cajon St. Redlands, Ca. 92373

I found this photo taken in 1956...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10700685@N08/3784005736/in/set-72157606096703157/

If anyone can get me a shot of the marquis in color, I could colorize and recreate this one!

I grew up in Redlands from '67 - '84. I still vividly remember walking from my grandmother's house on Nordina Street to see the new Disney movies in the 70's, and then - something like Star Wars or Chariots of the Gods!

We saw the marquis, glowingly announcing the current double feature. Colorful neon lines (I think red and green?) bordered the marquis with a big fluer-de-lis-like gold moulding at the top of the front center.

There would always be a long line of people along the front street - waiting to get tickets from that free-standing center console ticket booth, just inside the marquis. How cool it seemed to have been the royal ticket concierge (kids view)! As we waited we would eagerly gaze at the posters of the upcoming features held within beautiful large, elegant viewing frames, embedded into both sides of the entryway.

Once inside the main lobby, I always felt welomed by the large expanse of carpet, with its pink and green and yellow ?floral?/?feathered? swirls on the black background. The chandeliers and the carpeted wide center stairway leading to the split stairs to the right and left always made a big impression on me.

The strong, so nostalgic smell of popcorn came from the side concession center - sadly, the only detail there I can remember is a vague image of a big, flat glass popcorn display.

As I excitedly went into the main screen room, there were thick, deep red velvet curtains to push aside before you entered the dimmed theatre. Time to choose a seat. The seats flipped up to allow easier passage - that sound of kids playing with flip-flop of the seat - then annoying, now echoes fondly in my thoughts. I believe at first they were of a reddish-brown leather, but as they aged and cracked, they were replaced with deep reddish-orange velvet seats.

The times I went up to the balcony, I always took in the awe of the beautifully painted half-columns framing the stage housing the screen. Again, that mysterious swirl effect carried the majestic feeling of the theater throughout its interior. I think, the front of the balcony gently curved to allow great viewing from all sides.

There were two giant curtains, on either side of the screen - of a faded reddish orange (or green?? - my memory fails me) velvet. In my earlier years at the Fox, I remember them being closed between showings - separating only to reveal the thrill as the feature began. In my teens, when these curtains remained pulled to the side at all times, I missed seeing the large designs intricately laid out: an oval image on each half, and another flowing, floral-type pattern repeated along the borders. I had actually forgotten this until I saw the picture on one of your listings (thank you!).

Even the walls and ceilings boasted decorations throughout - some painted, some moulded - a lot to feast my eyes upon while I waited for the movie.

The movies generally came in two's. One children's movie (Disney, of course) and one more adult type feature. Once you were in the theater you could stay as long as you wanted. I still remember one night when my brother and I went - first delighted through Cinderella, then Star Wars, we called mom, pleading "Can we stay and see them again, PLEEEAASE?" And we did.

Thank you to the Redlands Fox theater - you've given me memories that I can have again and again. My gratitude and compliments to all who have worked to keep it going!

This was in the Redlands Daily Facts in April 1953:

One hundred and forty were present last evening as Junior Women of the Contemporary Club and their husbands were guests of Manager William O. Hallett for a theatre party at the Fox Theatre. The three-dimensional film, "Bwana Devil," was shown as the program highlight, followed by "The Savage" in technicolor. A buffet supper was served by candlelight at the Contemporary Club after the theatre program. Spring flowers had been arranged on the supper table and on the mantel by Mrs. Robert Knight, Mrs. Hugh Folkins and Mrs. Donald Leonard.

A society page ad.

Not an ad, a news story.

Whatever

Story of the theater's reopening:
http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/news/ci_12757035