Fox Theatre – Lost in Seattle – Legends of America
Once upon a time, in the bustling heart of downtown Seattle, Washington, stood a beacon of cinematic grandeur known as the Fox Theatre. Located at the intersection of 7th Avenue and Olive Street, this magnificent structure was more than just a place to watch movies; it was an architectural marvel and a cultural landmark that left an indelible mark on the city’s entertainment landscape.
A Fairy-Tale Beginning
The Fox Theatre opened its doors on April 19, 1929, amid a flurry of excitement and anticipation. Its design, envisioned by the talented architect Sherwood D. Ford, was so enchanting that it was described as being "fairy-like in appearance." Originally conceived as the Mayflower, the theater’s early designs incorporated nautical motifs, with grillwork that resembled the prow of a ship.
However, fate had other plans. Just six months before its completion, the theater was acquired by the influential Hollywood mogul William Fox, who sought to expand his theater empire across the United States. Fox, with his penchant for the Spanish baroque style, commissioned a series of design changes that transformed the theater into a breathtaking spectacle.
A Spanish Fortress of Entertainment
The completed Fox Theatre was a sight to behold. Its exterior, crafted in the Spanish Plateresque manner, resembled a fortress of stone, exuding an air of grandeur and sophistication. Heavy timbered front doors stood as imposing gateways, flanked by suits of armor that added a touch of medieval mystique.
Stepping inside, patrons were transported to a world of opulence and artistry. The interior, decorated in the 16th-century Spanish tradition, was a symphony of colors and textures. Red carpets lined the floors, while green and rose drapes adorned the walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The stone walls appeared weathered, adding to the theater’s sense of history and timelessness.
The stairways were adorned with large painted murals depicting scenes of Spanish warriors in battle, showcasing the rich heritage and artistic flair of the era. The mezzanine featured regal furnishings, including seatbacks that soared to a height of 10 feet, providing patrons with a luxurious and comfortable viewing experience.
Despite the growing popularity of talking pictures, the owners of the Fox Theatre recognized the importance of musical accompaniment and installed one of the most expensive pipe organs in the city. This magnificent instrument, though soon to be overshadowed by technological advancements, served as a testament to the theater’s commitment to providing a complete and immersive entertainment experience.
With a seating capacity of 2,600, the Fox Theatre was a veritable palace of entertainment, capable of accommodating large crowds eager to escape into the world of cinema. The theater’s grand opening featured the film "Broadway Melody," a fitting choice for a venue that promised to be a stage for dreams and a haven for movie lovers.
The Shadows of Economic Hardship
Unfortunately, the Fox Theatre’s rise to prominence coincided with the looming shadow of economic hardship. Just six months after its grand opening, the stock market crash of 1929 sent shockwaves through the nation, plunging the country into the Great Depression. The theater, being the last major entertainment venue to open in Seattle before the crash, faced an uphill battle to maintain its luster and attract audiences during these trying times.
Adding to the theater’s woes, William Fox suffered a severe injury in an automobile accident, further jeopardizing his financial stability. The stock market crash decimated his fortune, leading to a hostile takeover of the Fox Film Corporation in 1930. A government antitrust action further compounded his troubles, forcing him into a protracted seven-year struggle to stave off bankruptcy.
A Change of Hands and Names
As William Fox’s empire crumbled, he was forced to sell his theaters, including the Fox Theatre in Seattle. In 1933, Seattle businessmen Claude Jensen and John von Herberg acquired the theater and rechristened it "the Roxy." However, their ownership was short-lived, as they leased the venue to vaudeville impresario and movie exhibitor John Hamrick just a year later. Hamrick, in turn, renamed the theater "Hamrick’s Music Hall," signaling a shift in focus towards a broader range of entertainment offerings.
In 1936, the theater changed hands once again, this time being sold to the Clise Family. The Clises shortened the name to the Music Hall, a moniker that would stick with the venue for decades to come, becoming synonymous with entertainment and cultural experiences in Seattle.
Navigating the Economic Landscape
Despite its prime location downtown, the Music Hall faced challenges in attracting consistent crowds. Situated outside the traditional retail and entertainment core, the theater had to work hard to compete with other venues and adapt to changing audience preferences.
Despite these challenges, the Music Hall managed to weather the economic climate and continued to showcase motion pictures into the 1960s. In 1962, Sterling Theaters took over the venue’s management, but the Music Hall experienced a series of openings and closures over the next several years, reflecting the volatility of the entertainment industry and the ever-changing tastes of the public.
In 1967, the theater was renamed the 7th Avenue Theatre, marking yet another chapter in its long and storied history. However, the winds of change were blowing, and the theater’s future remained uncertain.
A Fight for Preservation
By the mid-1970s, the rise of suburban multi-plex cinemas had begun to siphon off business from single-screen theaters located in downtown areas. Many Seattle theaters faced the threat of closure or demolition, prompting a wave of activism aimed at preserving these cultural landmarks.
In 1977, the Music Hall was granted landmark status, a recognition of its historical and architectural significance. However, the Clise Family, the theater’s owners, argued that protecting these buildings placed undue financial burdens on property owners. The Seattle City Hearing Examiner sided with the Clises, but they did not immediately tear down the building.
Instead, in 1978, they leased it to Jack McGovern, who transformed the venue into a Las Vegas-style floorshow with dinner. Unfortunately, McGovern’s venture proved unsustainable, and he filed for bankruptcy just two years later. The Music Hall sat empty for several years before briefly reopening as the Emerald Palace, serving as a dinner theater.
A Symphony of Rejection and Demolition
In 1989, the Clise Family made an attempt to revitalize the Music Hall by convincing the Seattle Symphony to relocate to the venue as their permanent home. However, the symphony ultimately rejected the idea, leaving the theater’s fate hanging in the balance.
Desperate to find a more profitable use for the property, the Clise Family applied for a city permit to demolish the building, planning to erect a new structure in its place. In 1990, the city designated the building as a landmark, setting the stage for a fierce battle between the owners and historic preservationists.
Despite the efforts of preservationists, the Clise Family ultimately prevailed, and the Music Hall was demolished in January 1992. The loss of this architectural gem was a blow to Seattle’s cultural heritage, leaving a void in the city’s entertainment landscape.
A Legacy Remembered
Though the Fox Theatre, later known as the Music Hall, is no longer standing, its memory lives on in the hearts of those who experienced its grandeur and shared in its cinematic magic. The theater’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and recognizing the contributions of those who shaped our entertainment landscape.
As we reflect on the lost landmarks of Seattle, let us remember the Fox Theatre, a fairy-tale palace that once stood proudly at the corner of 7th Avenue and Olive Street, forever etched in the annals of the city’s history.