Fox Theatre
715 Main Street,
Walsenburg,
CO
81089
715 Main Street,
Walsenburg,
CO
81089
1 person
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Related Websites
Fox Theatre - Walsenburg (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Fox Inter-Mountain Theaters Inc.
Architects: Isaac Hamilton Rapp, William Mason "Will" Rapp
Functions: Movies (First Run), Special Events
Styles: Art Deco, Spanish Colonial
Previous Names: Star Theatre, Valencia Theatre, Fox-Valencia Theatre, Youth Center Theatre
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
719.846.2851
Nearby Theaters
The original name of the theatre, Star Theatre, was designed by the Trinidad firm of I.H. and William M. Rapp for Paul Krier in 1916. It opened on July 24, 1917. The Walsenburg World newspaper commented, “Besides being a high-class picture show-house, the Star Theatre is now Walsenburg’s largest and best equipped hall for plays, vaudeville or conventions.”
A Wurlitzer-Hope Jones pipe organ was installed in 1923. In July 1929, talking pictures were introduced, the interior redecorated into a Spanish theme and in August 1929 is was renamed the Valencia Theatre.
One month later the Fox Intermountain Theaters Inc. purchased the theatre and the name was changed to Fox-Valencia Theatre. In 1941 the building received a thorough remodeling including an Art Deco style facade and became the Fox Theatre. The theatre was closed in 1987.
After a major grant-funded renovation, the theatre reopened in 1992 under the auspices of the Huerfano Youth and Arts Foundation under the direction of George Birrer. It continues to hold stage performances and on weekends shows motion pictures.
The interior is in very good condition. Years ago the pipe organ was given to the local Catholic church. A few years ago it was returned to the theatre and awaits funds to restore it. The marquee still has a vertical “Fox” sign.
Contributed by
Ken Fletcher
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Recent comments (view all 10 comments)
The 1941 edition of Film Daily Yearbook lists the Valencia Theatre with a seating capacity of 684 and operated by Fox Intermountain Theaters Inc. In the 1943 edition of F.D.Y. it has been re-named Fox Theatre with a seating capacity of 669. Same details apply in 1950 but with a seating capacity given as 616 and still operated by Fox Intermountain Theaters Inc.
The Fox is up and running as a movie theatre again. The front of the building as well as the upright FOX sign and the marquee have been restored. The neon looks GREAT!!
The Fox as it looked in 1997:
View link
According to this article, this theater is again currently operating as the Fox; its survival is in jeopardy because of the closing of a privatised correctional center nearby which will cause the county to end a regular subsidy payment: View link
After several thousand man-hours invested by members of the non-profit Pikes Peak Area Theatre Organ Society of Colorado Springs, the 1923 Wurlitzer organ, now relocated in its original home, the Fox Theatre, has recently hosted a concert played by organist Bob Flinn of Colorado City. The event took place on Sunday, July 26, 2015.
Glad to hear the Wurlitzer is restored and playing again. New pictures of the exterior in the Photo section.
New shots of the Fox in the Photos section.
From the March 2, 1959 Motion Picture Daily: “WALSENBURG, Colo., March 1 – The Fox Theatre here, a unit of Fox Intermountain Theatres, has been sold by the circuit to Frank Piazza of this community. No change in house policy is planned.”
Although Frank Piazza later continued to own the Fox, reopening it after a short closure in 1980, per a Boxoffice note, he put it up for sale in a classified ad in the Jan. 26, 1976 edition.
“A-1 580 SEAT downtown conventional and 300 car, 40 x 80' screen drive-in in non-competitive area with 7,000 population. New modern three bedroom home included and all properties guaranteed in tip-top condition. City located in middle of one of the greatest coal reserves in U.S. and the big boom is just starting. $350,000.00 takes it all. Frank Piazza, Fox Theatre, Walsenburg, Colorado. (303) 738-1962.”
Huh! I’m pretty sure of that Motion Picture Daily date, matching when Fox Intermountain had to divest a bunch of theaters. So did Piazza lose the Fox for a while, or is the following magazine note screwy?
Motion Picture Exhibitor, Oct. 15, 1969: “Upon reopening the Fox, Walsenburg, Colo., which he recently acquired, Frank Piazza will close the Trails Drive-In for the winter.”