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| About The Fox - Our History |
The Fox Theatre was opened on January 5, 1929 as the "New Sequoia" Theatre, developed by Ellis John Arkush, an owner of a chain of movie houses on the San Francisco Peninsula.
Arkush was said to have toured Europe, viewing famous buildings which gave him ideas for the New Sequoia. The building was designed by Reid and Reid Architects of San Francisco based on Moorish styling in the interior and Gothic (Revival) exterior. Although used from the beginning for motion pictures, the New Sequoia had a stage for Vaudeville and a pipe organ by the Robert Morton Organ Company. |
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| The original "new Sequoia" Theatre and adjacent retail facades, 1929 and into the 1930s* |
A projection machine was provided to show moving clouds and twinkling starts across the ceiling. Hand-carved tiles were used extensively in the interiors. |
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The building was purchased by the Fox West Coast chain in October of 1929, and was used for movie attractions for a number of years.
In the 1950's the Fox Theatre underwent extensive remodeling on the interiors, specifically in the auditorium area which was re-done in the "Skouras Art Deco style" identified with many movie houses. The new design was done by Carl Moeller. |
Original marquee, early 1930s* |
In 1993, the Fox Theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
* Photos are courtesy of the Redwwod City Library. http://www.redwoodcity.org
Excerpts from The Concept Plan Study: Feasibility, Needs, and Decision Issues for Improvements/Renovation, The Fox Theatre, Redwood City, by John Von Szeliski and Associates
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Opening gala after remodel, 1950* |
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