National Trust for Historic Preservation Presents Preservation Honor Award for the Fox Oakland Theater in Oakland, Calif.
Masterful Renovation of Long-Shuttered Theater Provides Community Catalyst
Posted October 15, 2009 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141
Nashville, Tenn. (October 15, 2009)—Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation presented its Preservation Honor Award to the City of Oakland Redevelopment Agency for the renovation of the Fox Oakland Theater in Oakland, Calif. The project was one of 23 award winners honored by the National Trust during its 2009 National Preservation Conference in Nashville, Tenn.
When it first opened in 1928, the opulent Fox Oakland Theater in Oakland, Calif. was considered one of the finest movie palaces ever built. Fans thronged to the exotic domed temple, whose Moorish, Indian and Medieval architecture defied description, and marveled at its terra cotta tiles, paintings and sculptures of golden deities.
For more than three decades, the Fox held its own as a first-run movie house in a bustling downtown entertainment and shopping district. But as suburban malls and multiplexes began to lure moviegoers away from downtown Oakland, the Fox closed its doors in 1973. In the years that followed, the grand theater escaped the wrecking ball more than once, but suffered fires, leaky roofs, decay and graffiti.
After the Oakland Redevelopment Agency purchased the Fox in 1996, work began on a master plan to renovate the building to house a new 2,500-seat performing arts center and home for the Oakland School for the Arts. In December 2006, the $80 million construction project, the largest of its kind in the U.S., got underway. Lavish architectural details were restored, from the from the 115 foot tall Hindu tower dome to the exotically themed interiors, and state-of-the-art systems were installed to create a performance space second to none. Reopened in February of 2009 after being dark for 35 years, the theater consistently draws capacity crowds, and new shops, restaurants and apartment houses are springing up, adding vibrancy to a once-struggling area.
"The Fox Oakland Theater is an architectural and community treasure," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "At first glance, the theater is an eye-popping shrine to fabulously over-the-top showmanship, but look closer, and it's a textbook on how to bring a building – and a neighborhood – back to life."
Along with the City of Oakland Redevelopment Agency, co-recipients honored today for the Fox Oakland Theater renovation project are: California Capital Group; Turner Construction; Architectural Dimensions; The KPA Group Structural Engineers; ELS Architecture & Urban Design; Starkweather Bondy Architecture; and Friends of the Oakland Fox.
The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizen attempts to save and maintain important landmarks; companies and craftsmen whose work restores the richness of the past; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and educators and journalists who help Americans understand the value of preservation. The winners of the National Preservation Awards will appear in the November/December issue of Preservation Magazine and online at www.PreservationNation.org/awards.
To download high resolution images of this year's National Preservation Award winners, visit www.PreservationNation.org/press
The 2009 National Preservation Award Winners:
Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award: Vincent J. Scully, New Haven, Conn.—Often called the most important interpreter of art and architecture of our time, Vincent Scully merits the national preservation movement's highest accolade for 61 years of inspiring generations of students and for his tireless commitment to historic preservation and architecture.
John H. Chafee Trustees Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Policy: Laura W. Bush and John Nau, III, Houston, Tex.—Former First Lady Mrs. Laura W. Bush and John Nau, chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, spearheaded Preserve America, one of the most far-reaching preservation initiatives ever launched.
Peter H. Brink Award for Individual Achievement in Historic Preservation: Sandra Stokes, Baton Rouge, La.—Sandra Stokes has been an inspiring leader in the ongoing effort to protect Louisiana's cultural and architectural heritage. Since 2006, her laser-like focus has been directed on New Orleans' Charity Hospital, an Art Deco icon and neighborhood anchor closed since Hurricane Katrina and threatened with demolition.
Trustees' Emeritus Award for Excellence in the Stewardship of Historic Sites: Historic Rugby, Rugby, Tenn.—Founded in 1880, Rugby, Tenn. was envisioned as a class-free, agrarian community. Today, the Victorian village is flourishing thanks to the nonprofit group, Historic Rugby.
Trustees' Award for Organizational Excellence: Garden Conservancy, Cold Spring, N.Y.—The nation's first nonprofit group dedicated to preserving exceptional gardens, the Garden Conservancy has had a tremendous impact on the way Americans appreciate and preserve historic landscapes.
National Trust/HUD Secretary's Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation: Fairbanks Flats, Beloit, Wisc.—Fairbanks Flats was constructed in 1917 as company housing for African-American machinists. After years of deterioration, the complex was painstakingly rehabilitated and today is once again a community anchor.
National Trust/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation: Federal Transit Administration, Lower Manhattan Recovery Office, New York, N.Y.—In 2006, the Vesey Street Staircase was named one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Today—just three years later—the National Trust honored the Federal Transit Administration for its role in saving both the staircase and other evocative links with 9/11.
National Trust Board of Advisors' Award: Gates of Ballston, Arlington, Va.—After decades of heavy use, this 464-unit Colonial Revival-style housing complex was in decay. Arlington County joined forces with a nonprofit developer to give The Gates a long-overdue makeover and help meet the community's need for affordable housing.
The 2009 National Preservation Honor Award Winners:
Bedford Springs Resort, Bedford, Pa.—In the Allegheny mountains of south central Pa., this famed resort that once served as the summer White House of President James Buchanan sparkles again after a meticulous $120 million renovation.
Meier & Frank Department Store Building, Portland, Ore.—The Meier & Frank department store was a beloved community landmark for nearly a century before it fell into disrepair. The Portland Development Commission led a visionary effort to turn the once faded terra cotta palace into a luxury hotel and department store.
Charleston Preservation Plan, Charleston, S.C.—After decades of zealously preserving the Holy City's treasure trove of architectural wonders, the Historic Charleston Foundation has partnered with the City to adopt a groundbreaking plan that provides Charleston with a strong preservation-based roadmap for its future.
Plaza Theatre, El Paso, Tex.—When it opened in 1930, the Spanish Colonial Revival-style Plaza Theatre was a showstopper. After years of decline and the threat of demolition, the Plaza has been meticulously renovated thanks to an innovative partnership between the El Paso Community Foundation and the City.
Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall, Philadelphia, Pa.—Memorial Hall, one of just two buildings remaining from the Centennial Exposition of 1876, was transformed into a luminous new home for Please Touch Museum, an award-winning learning center for children.
Southworth Mansion, Cleveland, Ohio—When prominent businessman William Palmer Southworth constructed his lavish Italianate mansion in 1879, he spared no expense. Nearly 130 years later when Laborers Union Local 860 lovingly returned the building to its original splendor, history repeated itself.
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Okla., Mont., Wyo. and Colo.—In the 1860s, U.S. military troops attacked peaceful encampments of Cheyenne and Arapaho. More than 140 years after the carnage, both battlegrounds are National Historic Sites thanks in large measure to tribe members who would not let their history be forgotten.
The Danish School, Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I.—The Caribbean island of St. Croix's rich and culturally diverse history is proudly displayed in the Danish School, built in 1799. Poorly renovated over the years and nearly destroyed by Hurricane Hugo, the building has now been gloriously restored.
Gutierrez-Hubbell House, Bernalillo County, N.M.—The 1840s-era Gutierrez-Hubbell House served for 150 years as the home of James and Juliana Gutierrez-Hubbell and their descendants. When it was threatened by inappropriate development, local residents and county officials came together to restore the home for use as a museum.
John Latschar, Gettysburg, Pa.—As superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park, John Latschar leads the ongoing effort to preserve and interpret one of America's best-known historic sites.
Book Cadillac Hotel, Detroit, Mich.—When it opened in 1924, Detroit's Book Cadillac Hotel was, at 33 stories, the tallest hotel in the world. Closed for more than two decades, the hotel has been lavishly reborn after a 3-year, $180 million renovation.
Fox Oakland Theater, Oakland, Calif.—When the Fox Theater first opened in 1928 was considered one of the finest movie palaces ever built. Closed in 1973 and facing demolition, it has risen from the ashes and is now home to a state-of-the-art performing arts center.
Fort Piqua Plaza, Piqua, Ohio—Though it had once welcomed famous guests such as Harry Houdini, Teddy Roosevelt and William Taft, the Fort Piqua Hotel stood vacant for decades—until the City of Piqua created a nonprofit development corporation to transform the faded landmark into a bright new home for the local library.
Rebuilding Together New Orleans, New Orleans, La.—In just four years since Hurricane Katrina, the determined band of volunteers and staff members who comprise this nonprofit community group has rebuilt 159 properties and returned 314 senior citizens to their homes.
Cavallo Point Lodge at Golden Gate, San Francisco, Calif.—Established in 1866, Fort Baker sits in the Marin Headlands. After the base closed in 2002, Fort Baker became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and now, following a $100 million renovation, is home to a stunning new lodge.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.
