Fox Renovation Project - theater set to reopen in late Fall 2008!

Reconstruction is well underway on the soon-to-be magnificently restored Fox Oakland Theater, with the grand reopening scheduled for Fall of 2008. The current plans call for the redevelopment of the entire Fox complex also includes the creation of a permanent home for Oakland School for the Arts. OSA is Oakland’s distinctive, tuition-free charter school that is dedicated to artistic and academic excellence. The bold vision for the new school features brand new permanent classrooms, rehearsal spaces and use of the spectacularly restored theater for special student performances.

Construction plans for the revitalized Fox venue include the addition of a premier ground floor restaurant opening out to trees, benches and newly widened sidewalks. This exciting community investment in the Fox Oakland Theater promises to position it as the hub of Oakland’s newly emerging Uptown Entertainment District. Another Planet Entertainment (APE), well known for bringing outstanding live entertainment to the Greek Theater, Paramount Theater, and other popular Bay Area venues, will manage the grand, ornate theatrical palace as its flagship venue.

Still, your help is needed now to ensure that distinctive historical aesthetic elements of the theater that would not otherwise be included in the current reconstruction efforts are completed. Examples of historical elements not included in the current reconstruction efforts because of cost are historic paint treatments, the replication of light fixtures, and other ornamentation including the stunning "golden guardians" that flank the stage. Donate now!

Learn more about the Fox Oakland Renovation Project Team, by clicking here.

The below photos give you an idea of the massive restoration effort that is under way.

View of the ceiling during construction...

View of the stage during construction...

Photos courtsey of Daniel Jewett, Associate Editor/Web Editor - Oakland Magazine
November 2007