The Fox Tucson Theatre has some major plans in the works on the corner of Stone Avenue and Congress Street. Nearly 100 years after its grand opening, the historic venue will be expanding into the former Bruegger’s Bagels building, and a rooftop bar/terrace along with indoor event spaces are part of the package.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire the properties immediately adjacent to the Fox, and from there, develop them in a way that compliments and extends the Fox’s mission, vision, and impact,” said Brent Davis, Fox Tucson Theatre’s Board President. “We believe this is a legacy project for the Fox, for Rio Nuevo, and for Tucson.”
As you can see in the concept renderings, the theatre will have a new grand entrance and an incredible lobby. With the help from the Rio Nuevo Board, Fox Tucson Theatre is aiming to be even more of a downtown destination with the goal of being a “best-in-class arts and culture hub at a national level.”
After the new look and expansion, Fox Tucson Theatre’s Executive Director, Bonnie Schock, is anticipating a more diverse artistic program, next-level patron and donor services, and a larger amount of special occasion experiences.
Also, all of the construction will be completed in such a way that it integrates the existing theatre’s historic preservation.
Additionally, the expanded lobby areas, elevators, a new flexible performance and event center, and more restrooms should delight the regulars. Oh, and the rooftop bar and dining area are destined to be a go-to spot during the cooler months. However, the covered patio should lend a loving hand throughout the summer’s warmer temperatures.
“An expanded Fox will honor and build upon the history we treasure, delivering truly special experiences in a one-of-a-kind setting that boasts the modern amenities our community expects and deserve,” said Schock. “We all look forward to the possibilities that may lie just around the corner, and to sharing more as this concept evolves in the coming months.”
Rio Nuevo, which recently sold the theatre back to the Fox Theatre Foundation, unanimously approved this new deal on Tuesday, October 25. Back in 2014, Rio Nuevo bought the theatre from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
There is no exact timeline set for the expansion, but it’ll be an entertaining addition to downtown once it’s complete.
Fox Tucson Theatre is located at 17 W. Congress St. For more information, visit foxtucson.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
