With lights out, work can begin
Gov. Christine Gregoire and Thomas Hampson turned out the lights at the Fox Theater on Tuesday.
When they are turned on again in 2007, Spokane will have a performing arts center that will be “the envy of any major capital in the world,” said Hampson, a renowned baritone from Eastern Washington who knows a thing or two about concert houses.
The ceremony at the landmark theater built in 1931 marked the beginning of a new era of Spokane’s commitment to the arts, according to dignitaries who spoke Tuesday. That the masterpiece of Art Deco architecture survived the wrecking ball took a monumental effort of civic cooperation.
According to Gregoire, who helped secure $2.5 million in state funds for renovation, transforming the old movie house into the home of the Spokane Symphony will be a story the community has a right to be proud of.
“It’s one about heart, it’s one about pocketbook, and it’s one about head,” she said.
The citizens did not have the heart to see the Fox razed, Gregoire said. They responded with more than 1,300 contributions, and in doing so made “a wise investment for the city of Spokane.”
More than $16 million of the anticipated $22 million construction cost has already been raised. Another $6 million will be sought for a permanent endowment, in part to help subsidize nonprofit performance groups.
Renovation, which begins in January and will take 16 to 18 months, will make significant improvements to the theater, including an expanded lobby, restrooms and dressing rooms. The new Fox will seat 1,725 people who will enter on both Sprague and First Avenues.
Heating and air conditioning, electrical and plumbing will be updated, but the building’s Art Deco features will be preserved. Renovation also will bring the facility into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“There’s no question that this will be a center of gravity for arts and humanities in Spokane,” said Hampson, a member of the Fox board of trustees and honorary co-chairman of its capital campaign.
From any perspective – architectural, acoustical or social – Hampson said, “There is no downside to this project.”
Hampson performed Monday night at the Light Up the Fox Benefit Gala.
Also speaking Tuesday were 5th District U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris, who commended Spokane for pulling together as a community to save the Fox, and members of the state Legislature, County Commission and City Council.
“It’s hard to imagine that seven years ago this was to be a parking garage,” said Mayor Jim West, who recalled watching Abbott and Costello on the Fox’s big screen for 35 cents in his youth.
Northwest Architectural Co. is in charge of design, and Walker Construction is the general contractor for the renovation.