arts | events

By SUZANNE SPROUL, Photo by Priscilla Iezzi of Che Studios

She’s weathered a flood, economic downturns and neglect — and it showed.

Today, the Pomona Fox theater is back, and she’s never looked better.

Renovations are revitalizing the downtown venue that once hosted hollywood premieres and the radio shows of Bob hope, desi arnaz and Shirley temple. She’s gotten a much-needed facelift and is ready to be center stage.

Arteco Partners and Glasshouse Inc. bought the building in 2008 with the idea of breathing life into the old girl. work continues on the historic art deco structure, which originally opened on april 24, 1931, to enthusiastic theater lovers. She was considered an entertainment palace back in her day, catering to the needs and whims of the state’s burgeoning film industry. It cost $350,000 to build and equip her with the latest technology, including elaborate projection and sound systems and air-conditioning.

Arteco Partners of Pomona specializes in historic and arts-themed redevelopment. In fact, company offices are located across the street from the Fox.

Tremendous care has been taken with all aspects of the project. Delicate murals have been repaired. Elaborate ornamental ironwork refurbished. Additions are being made in order to introduce the theater to a new generation of patrons.

When completed, the Fox will house an elegant restaurant, full-service upscale bar, eight separate entertainment rooms, including rooftop balconies, and an auditorium ready to welcome 2,000 guests.

Alejandra Tessier is a project manager.

She and Arteco Partners principals Jerry and Ed Tessier are responsible for the historic updates. She has spent months walking through the building, overseeing work crews and making sure attention is given to every detail.

"This is an historical building and it has a history that needs to be shared," Alejandra Tessier said. "We do not like seeing history fade away. The theater has such beauty. The architectural design and detail are wonderful. It has character and character is worth saving. I hope the community comes together to enjoy her." The Pomona Fox Theater will reopen as a piece of the city’s living history.

Designated a National Historic Landmark, it will connect past and present, while serving as yet another vital link in the restoration of downtown Pomona.

In order to mark her 78th birthday and to give the community a glimpse of wonderful things to come, the Friends of the Pomona Fox is throwing a grand opening sneak preview fundraiser on Saturday, April 18. The festive evening, called Fox First Night, will start with a reception at 6 p.m. Tickets are $135 per person. Saffron’s is handling the dinner menu.

Three-time Tony Award recipient and Broadway performer Carol Channing will be a special guest. Local historian Charles Phoenix will be the emcee. The streets around the theater will be closed for the gala and the reception will be held in the adjacent side alley, now reconfigured into a lovely outdoor patio.

"The Friends of the Pomona Fox want this gala to help recreate the beauty of this facility, but also to raise money for educational programs and to keep the history of the building intact," said Mike Schowalter, chairman of the nonprofit Friends of the Pomona Fox. "Our first goal is to have a new, old ticket booth, restoring what we can. We also will be showing part of a documentary being filmed about restoring the Fox. We are looking for anyone who might have memorabilia, photos — anything. Old ticket stubs. Old playbills. Ultimately, we want to reintroduce and re-establish the theater’s link to Hollywood."

Since the structure is an historic landmark, the project has closely adhered to local, state and national guidelines. Schowalter couldn’t be happier with the results. "We are trying to recreate history and that’s exciting," he added.

The Fox is being restored so she can regain her place in metro Pomona’s life. Later this month, she will host the Smogdance Film Festival. In May, the theater will open its doors to a free Sunday afternoon Family Film Festival and will welcome the Pomona Rotary’s annual art auction fundraiser.

Fox First Night
Where: Pomona Fox Theater 114 W. Third St., Pomona

When: April 18; 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner.

Why: To re-introduce the historic 1931 theater to the community and to help the nonprofit Friends of the Pomona Fox raise money for educational programs.

Information: 909-753-7903, www.pomonafox.org


ge, 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 18. The cost is $39. To register, call the Chaffey College Department of Community Education at 909-652-6041.

Events - Venues - Dining