Historic American Buildings Survey No. WA-197 (Fox Theatre) Collection, 1991-1992

The Fox Theatre opened on April 19, 1929, to a crowd of 15,000 visitors. Its unusual Spanish Renaissance-style design and its many amenities made it one of Seattle's finest and most unique theaters.

Designed by Seattle architect Sherwood D. Ford, the decor of the theater took its inspiration from the 16th-century Spanish Plateresque period and also utilized nautical motifs. The theater had a capacity of 2,600 seats and provided such amenities as a "crying room" (an enclosed room where parents and their crying children could watch the film or performance without bothering other audience members) and a similarly appointed smoking room. Much like other "picture palaces" of the period, the Fox Theatre boasted the latest developments in lighting and sound. Throughout its existence, the theater served as both a movie house and a venue for live performance.

The Fox Theatre changed names and owners frequently, and alterations were made to the building over the years. In 1988, the current owner of the building applied for a permit to demolish the building, intending to build a hotel on the site. However, such groups as the Seattle Landmarks Board, Allied Arts, and the Historic Seattle Preservation and Development Authority worked to prevent the destruction of the building. In 1990, these groups sponsored the building's nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Despite their efforts, the Fox Theatre was demolished during the winter of 1991-1992.