Historic Fox Theatre in Detroit Completes Multiple Upgrades, Including New Seats
Posted By: DBUSINESS on October 30, 2024. For more information, please click here to read the source article.
The historic Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit, designed by C. Howard Crane and opened in 1928, recently completed multiple upgrades including the replacement of more than 5,000 guest seats and a new wayfinding system, similar to the Portal entry system at Little Caesars Arena, to efficiently direct guests to their seats.
In addition to hosting some of the biggest names in show business — Shirley Temple, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Liza Minnelli (the latter three together) — the historic venue has presented multiple award-winning Broadway musicals, interactive stage shows, and holiday favorites.
The Fox Theatre is the second-largest theater in the nation, second only to Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Guest seats have been enhanced on all levels, including the installation of cup holders on the back of every seat, and new seat bottoms and backs for increased comfort. New fabric resembles the original historic fabric, with the original “Fox Theatre” logo embedded.
Each row also features a row letter illuminator, providing a more efficient way for guests to locate their seats before or during an event.
Approximately 2,000 original seats were designated for historical preservation, donated to local non-profit organizations including Life Remodeled and Rebel Nell, and auctioned off to benefit local charities.
Throughout the planning process for the upcoming enhancements, historic theatres across the country were benchmarked to gather best practices for industry-leading guest advancements.
“The Fox Theatre has hosted some of the world’s greatest performers and most popular shows throughout its storied history, and provided generations of Detroiters with countless memories,” says Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Cos. “We are excited to make these investments in the Fox to further elevate the guest experience, while preserving the elegance that truly makes this iconic theatre Detroit’s crown jewel.”
Shortly after acquiring the Fox in 1987, the Ilitch family began a major restoration of the building. After nearly a year-long renovation, 100 percent of the theatre was restored, preserving 80 percent of the original finish. In turn, the middle balcony level of the theatre was converted into a private viewing area, providing an intimate setting for guests in 17 “Loge” style boxes.
The Fox Theatre celebrated its grand re-opening on Nov. 19, 1988, with a show called “Curtains Up.”
In addition to the Fox Theatre renovations in 1987 and 1988, the surrounding office building was upgraded, and in 1989 Mike and Marian Ilitch moved Little Caesars Headquarters into the Fox Office Building. That same year, the Fox Theatre was designated a National Historic Landmark due to, among other things, its history, architecture, and cultural significance.
The Fox Theatre is one of the anchors of The District Detroit, a premier sports and entertainment destination in the heart of Detroit, with Little Caesars Arena three blocks north, Comerica Park one block east, and Ford Field three blocks east.
Overall, Detroit has the second most theater seats in the country, trailing New York City. Now that Little Caesars has moved intoits new headquarters just south of the Fox, plans call for converting the Fox office space into a hotel.
For the most recent Fox Theatre renovation, Ilitch-owned Olympia Development provided design and construction oversight with Detroit-based general contractor Sachse Construction, Detroit-based architects Neumann Smith, Michigan-based seating company Irwin, and Detroit-based fabric company Maharam in partnership with theatre consultant Martin Vinik Planning for the Arts.
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