Fox Theatre

119 S. Tower Avenue,
Centralia, WA 98531

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Related Websites

Centralia Fox Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Act III Theatres, Fox West Coast Theatres

Architects: Benjamin Marcus Priteca, Robert C. Reamer, Frank Wynkoop

Functions: Community Arts Center, Movies (Classic)

Styles: Art Deco, Streamline Moderne

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 360.880.8053

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News About This Theater

Original portholes

This single screen theater opened on September 5, 1930, with Buster Keaton in “Doughboys”. The Fox Theatre was designed by architect Frank Wynkoop, working out of the office of Robert C. Reamer, with B. Marcus Priteca acting as consultant. It originally had 1,200 seats on three levels and was operated successfully for decades, until it was closed in 1998 (as a triple screen theatre) by its operator, Act III Theatres.

The Fox Theatre was sold to the non-profit group Opera Pacfica in 2004, which began the process of restoring the theater. It was occasionally used for movie screenings. It was bought back by the city of Centralia in 2007, and restoration work continues. Film performances began in early-2009.

Contributed by Ross Melnick

Recent comments (view all 45 comments)

KenLayton
KenLayton on November 29, 2012 at 12:00 pm

I’ve worked at the Fox in the past.

KenLayton
KenLayton on December 14, 2012 at 1:24 pm

Pictures of the new marquee (both lighted and unlighted) are on the theater’s facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/CentraliaFox

KenLayton
KenLayton on December 11, 2013 at 9:32 pm

Pictures of the new awning and neon signage are now on their facebook page. The new awning was just installed yesterday and I hear it’s fantastic. It was made by a sign company in Sacramento, California.

KenLayton
KenLayton on December 14, 2013 at 10:00 pm

There are now pictures posted on their Facebook page of the new awning all lit up. It sure is colorful!

davefox
davefox on October 19, 2014 at 6:40 pm

I’m told that Opera Pacifica no longer is involved with the Fox.

KenLayton
KenLayton on October 19, 2014 at 6:47 pm

davefox: Yes that is correct. Opera Pacifica no longer has any involvement with the Fox Theater. Scott White of Historic Fox Theater is the current owner/operator.

KenLayton
KenLayton on May 31, 2018 at 7:59 am

Good news! The City of Centralia has approved a one million dollar bond to fund restorations of the Fox Theater. Story here:

http://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article212138634.html

KenLayton
KenLayton on March 16, 2019 at 10:55 pm

The Daily Chronicle is reporting the City of Centralia has indeed granted the Fox Theater a million dollars for restorations.

KenLayton
KenLayton on November 5, 2020 at 7:30 pm

The Fox is going to be a fantastic theater when it gets finished. They are spending big bucks to make this theater a real showplace.

KenLayton
KenLayton on May 12, 2021 at 9:43 am

Seating capacity will be greatly reduced due to the handicap requirements which now must be met. I believe they have now installed an elevator too. Still not open yet.

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