Restoration Project
After extensive community meetings and discussions, plans to restore the historic landmark took full effect in 1996 as the Fox Theater was bought by the City of Oakland from its previous owners. Costing an estimated $3 million, Oakland was convinced to resurrect the Fox. The unpreserved theater suffered many tragedies during its forty year abandoned period. Deteriorated by several arson fires, disastrous vandalism, and decay, restoring the once prestigious Fox Theater was not an easy task. The historical landmark suffered great damages, but it was evident that many locals supported the idea of renovating an important element of Oakland’s culture. In addition, “Friends of the Oakland Fox” was created by supporting community members. Friends of the Oakland Fox or also known as FOOF raised funding for the elaborate $75 million restoration process. President of FOOF, Phil Tagami was a significant contributor to the restoration of the Fox. Being part of the restoration team, Tagami stood closely by the theater for over twenty years, in hope of seeing the Fox Theater open its doors once again. Official restorations took place in 1999, kicking off an extensive procedure. In 2001, the somber marquee was successfully restored and once again illuminated the streets of downtown Oakland. As the elaborate process began, there were a lot of speculations regarding the future success of the stagnant theater.
Read more about this topic: Fox Oakland Theatre
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