Fox Theatre
139 S. 7th Street,
El Centro,
CA
92243
139 S. 7th Street,
El Centro,
CA
92243
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Fox West Coast Theatres
Architects: John Paxton Perrine
Styles: Art Deco
Previous Names: Imperial Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The Imperial Theatre was opened by the West Coast Theatres chain on October 12, 1928 with Buster Keaton in “The Cameraman” plus vaudeville on the stage. The Wurlitzer organ was opened by organist Hazel Early. Very opulent with plush red carpeting, murals on the walls, ornate fixtures, grand balcony, and an elegant staircase. The theatre competed with the less grand, yet still impressive, Crest Theatre located around the corner.
The Fox Theatre was closed in 1999 and was destroyed by fire in 2001.
Contributed by
George Kontaxis
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Recent comments (view all 2 comments)
According to CinemaTour’s site the theatre closed in 1999 and burned down in 2001.
This theater was designed by John Paxton Perrine, according to Southwest Builder & Contractor of July 22, 1927. West Coast Theatres had arranged to lease the house, which was to seat 1400. The article also announced that the project was to include a 1200 seat airdome theatre- a suitable arrangement for the torrid summers in the desert town of El Centro.
I also want to note that Cinema Treasures currently lists the architect as John Paxton Perine (with only one “r”), but that 90% of the references to him in the California Index spell his name Perrine, with a double r. Every other website I’ve seen his name on also spells it Perrine, as do published works featured by Google Books.