For immediate release: Nov. 12, 2002

OAKLAND RECEIVES $375,000 STATE GRANT FOR FOX THEATER:
California Heritage Fund Grant to be used for Exterior Façade Restoration

OAKLAND, CA – The State of California’s Office of Historic Preservation has awarded a California Heritage Fund grant to the City of Oakland’s Community and Economic Development Agency (CEDA) for exterior façade restoration of the historic Fox Theater. The $375,000 grant amount will be matched dollar-for-dollar by funds from the CEDA. The grant money and matching funds will be used to stabilize, clean, repair and restore the building’s exterior façade which has deteriorated badly since the theater closed over thirty years ago.

The revitalized exterior will help CEDA market the building to developers interested in restoring the Fox Theater and the attached commercial/office building. The Fox Theater is immediately adjacent to the residential/commercial development currently being planned by Forest City Residential West and the Redevelopment Agency and is a crucial element to revitalizing the Uptown neighborhood.

Since purchasing the theater in 1996, CEDA has been involved in a comprehensive effort to revitalize the historic 1928 movie palace and transform it into a performing arts center. A new roof was installed in 2000 and the historic marquee and spectacular neon "Fox Oakland" sign (ca. 1935) were renovated in 2001. A master plan outlining various development options was also completed in 2001.

The Community and Economic Development Agency is committed to sustainable growth and development throughout Oakland. CEDA works to attract new businesses and jobs, retain and expand existing businesses, facilitate job training and placement, and develop key areas of the city. CEDA places a special focus on affordable housing, homebuyers’ assistance, the Mayor’s 10K downtown housing initiative, and revitalizing neighborhood commercial corridors. Planning, zoning, building services, economic development, redevelopment, and housing and community development are consolidated functions of the 350-person agency.

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