The glowing blade sign for Fox Tucson Theatre brings a little movie-palace magic to Congress Street after dark. The big vertical letters and illuminated marquee are just the sort of downtown sight that makes an evening drive worth slowing down for. Fox theatres always seem to have a way of putting on a show before anyone gets through the doors.
The Fox opened on April 11, 1930, with a celebration that spilled right into the street. Congress Street was closed and the pavement waxed for dancing, while four bands entertained the crowd. Now that is an opening night. Inside, the theatre’s unusual Pueblo Deco styling combined Art Deco geometry with Southwestern decorative touches.
After closing in 1974, the building sat neglected for roughly 25 years. A community-backed restoration rescued the old movie palace, bringing its decorative interior and familiar neon back to life. The Fox reopened on New Year’s Eve in 2005 following a six-year, $14 million restoration.
Fox Theatres always hold a special spot in roadside lore. This Fox Tucson Theatre still lights up the night in downtown Tucson, AZ. Check out more Fox Theatres from across the country here.
UPDATE: Fox Tucson Theatre remains open for concerts, films and live events. Its restored neon blade sign and marquee continue to light up Congress Street, right where a downtown theatre sign ought to be. 09-26
Globe Theatre (Rem.)
Globe, AZ Photo courtesy Don Lewis
Here's a photo of the Globe Theatre and its marquee lit up at night. The Globe theatre dates back to 1917. Unfortunately, on July 16, 2005, a downtown fire destroyed much of the building, though the front facade was saved. Unfortunately the building that housed the Java Junction Coffee Shop next door was completely destroyed by the fire. Word is that grants are in progress to help restore the Globe.
The Globe Theatre marquee lights up Broad Street in this nighttime view of downtown Globe. Dating to around 1917, the old movie house had the kind of glowing sign that made an evening at the movies begin right out on the sidewalk.
On July 16, 2005, a fire in the neighboring Pioneer Hotel devastated the theatre when part of the hotel collapsed onto its auditorium. Java Junction Coffee House next door was also lost. Fortunately, the theatre’s front facade and marquee survived the initial destruction, allowing the sign to be saved.
UPDATE: The Hollis family rebuilt the site as Hollis Cinema 4, opening the new four-screen theatre in 2010. The restored Globe neon marquee was incorporated into the new building, keeping a familiar piece of the old movie house shining downtown. 09-26
Grand Theatre (Closed)
Douglas, AZ Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Grand Theatre in downtown Douglas still looks ready for a big opening night, with its ornate facade and vertical sign overlooking G Avenue. The doors may be quiet, but this was once a place where a night at the theatre meant considerably more than finding a seat in a multiplex.
Designed by M. Eugene Durfee, the neoclassical theatre opened on January 25, 1919. It was promoted as the largest and most beautiful theatre between Los Angeles and San Antonio, hosting movies, vaudeville and live performances. Ginger Rogers, Anna Pavlova and John Philip Sousa were among the famous names who appeared here.
The Grand closed in 1958 and suffered decades of neglect, including a roof collapse during the 1980s. Local preservationists eventually purchased the building for just one dollar to keep it from being demolished. Quite a bargain, although the repairs were another story.
UPDATE: The Grand remains closed for regular theatre operations while preservation groups pursue phased restoration. Its historic facade and projecting sign survive, although the sign’s lighting still awaits revival. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976. 09-26
