Maintaining this historical landmark for the enjoyment of our community takes a great deal of effort and resources. The theater has survived for over 75 years and through generous donations and support from businesses and members of the community, we have been able to preserve its grandeur for many years to come.

But like any structure of its age, it requires material replacements, repairs, and general upkeep to ensure the theater is fully operational. So how can you help? Maybe it's by becoming a Member of the Fox. Maybe it's purchasing a plaque on The Walk of the Stars. Maybe it's donating the services of your company to help with repairs. Or maybe it's just spreading the word that The Fox needs your help!

If you believe in the preservation of this one-of-a-kind theater, give us a call at 661.324.1369 and ask how you can help.

Below is a list of projects that are currently in need of attention. You'll find a list of past projects and the generous businesses that donated their time, services and materials to bring the projects to completion.

Restore Theater Seats:  This project will fund the removal and reinstallation of the existing American Seating seats and ship them back to American for complete restoration.  At the same time we will repair some old water damage to the atmospheric ceiling then refinish it.  In addition while the seats are out for repair we can epoxy the theater floors.

Estimated Project Cost $210,000

Two Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars

We have about 50% in in-kind materials and labor for ceilings and floors

Funding Source Prop 40 Due Jan 30 2006

Project Priority 1

 

Pay Off Theater Mortgage:  The Fox has a $500,000 Mortgage on it.  It would be ideal for this debt to be paid off.  This would allow all the resources that currently go into this to go towards the operations and restration of the theater.  It would also fully secure the future of the Fox for the people of Kern County and the surrounding areas.

Estimated Payoff of Mortgage

$500,000
Project Priority 1

 

Next Phase Lighting  and Sound System Upgrades:  This ongoing multiphase project would build upon your last grant and over time will replace the theaters entire sound and lighting systems to state of the art system including all design work, equipment as well as installation.  These systems have been professioanlly designed by Innovative Concert Lighting and Pacific West Sound to be state of the art.  (Exact equipment specifications are available but are not included in this project list) These systems are not designed to support our large concert promoters but are focused on our smaller and mid sized clients especially our school clients.  This project also includes the purchase of choir risers, music stands and pipe and drape.  These too are all focused on our small business and school clients.  Our main goal is to make the Fox more affordable for them to utilize without having to rent these items from outside sources.

Estimated Cost $ 45,000

Forty Five Thousand Dollars

Donated Disign and Installation $20,000

Total Funding Needed $25,000
Project Priority 1

Reinforce Interior Ornamental Plaster:   This important project when implemented will preserve the unique Skouras ornamental plaster in the Theater auditorium.  This interior plaster was never intended to last forever.  It would have, had the theater remained open back in the 1970's been replaced with a more modern interior design.  However since the Fox is being restored to the 1953 Skouras look it is imperative that we reinforce and repair this most visual aspect of the Fox's interior.  As we have researched not only our Fox but other theaters around the country we have found that our theater with it's Sdouras designed interior plumes and the distinctive gold leaf acoustic cloud hanging over the orchestra pit is one of it not the only Skouras theater of this type left in existence.  This made our decision to preserve these very unique elements of the past even more important.  This project consists of building a floor to ceiling shear wall behind the existing auditorium interior walls.  All of the ornamental plaster elements will then be attached to this new shear wall.  The plaster ceiling cove with it's impressive neon lighting and the acoustic cloud will be reinforced as well.  The large plumes that grace the side walls will have a steel frame inserted in the hollow area behind them and then this space will be filled with strong but light weight foam to form one solid unit.  This steel will also be attached to the shear wall.  Once this reinforcing system is in place the plaster will be cleaned from top to bottom and the gold leafing reparied as needed.  This project when completed will ensure the life of these additions the murals that adorn the lobby ceilings will be cleaned and restored where necessary.  There is some minor water damage on the second floor mezzanine that needs extensive restoration.  This Project will be achieved in 2 parts. Part 1 funding is needed to hire a conservation firm to asses and create a scope of work and a detailed work plan with budget.  The second part is implementation of the recommended work.  This work must be performed by a qualified restoration company.

Estimated Cost $ 949,000

Nine Hundred Forty Nine Thousand Dollars

Estimated Part 1 only $45,000
Project Priority 1

Re-deck Stage: Our current stage floor is comprised of rock maple from the front of the movie screen to the front edge and straight grain fir back to the wall and in the wing areas.  All of the finish flooring is over a very solid sub floor.  This project will remove the badly deteriorated and splintery fir flooring and replace it with 13 ply birch plywood finished in a brown-red finish paint that will complement the remaining maple.  With the heavy use and tons of equipment that are moved across the stage floor the plywood is the only choice as it is very strong and if damaged it is easily filled and refinished.  The only time the audience sees the stage floor is during a movie and the areas in front of the screen will remain the original maple flooring.

Estimated Cost $ 24,000
Twenty Four Thousand Dollars

In-Kind Materials and Labor $4,000
Total Remaining $20,000

Project Priority 1

Concession POS System: A vital part of our operations is our concession sales. This constitues over half of our annual revenue. To date we have relied on simple cash boxes and single cash registers but these are slow and inefficient. Our hope is to add a state of the art Point Of Sale Computer System to this area. Not only will this system make us able to serve our customers faster but is more accurate and will allow us to control and track inventory much better.  It is anticipated that with the addition of this system it could easily pay for itself in just over 1 year.  This project includes design and data wiring some of which is already pledged in-kind.

Estimated Cost $22,000

Twenty Two Thousand Dollars

In -Kind Labor and Materials Pledged $10,000

Remaining Funds needed $12,000
Project Priority 1

 

Stage Loading Platform: This project will create a stage weight loading platform about 40 feet above the stage floor.  This area will house our stage weights which are used for most shows.  This will provide an easier and safer way to load these weights into and out of the fly rail system.

Estimated Cost $45,000

Forty Five Thousand Dollars

Project Priority 2

 

Concession Upgrade : This project upgrades our 2 temporary serving areas into permanent installations.  These areas are mainly used to serve alcoholic beverages which is one of our main profit centers for shows.

Estimated Cost $ 85,000

Eighty Five Thousand Dollars
Second Floor $35,000

Lobby $55,000

Project Priority 1

 

Stage Drape Replacement Phase 1 & 2: This project funds the replacement of the worst of our stage drapes.  Phase 2 includes funding for additional but needed stage drapes.

Estimated Cost Phase 1   $10,000

Ten Thousand Dollars

Project Priority 1

Estimated Cost Phase 2  $45,000
Forty Five Thousand Dollars

Project Priority 2

New Ticket Window :  This project replaces our makeshift ticket sales window with a bank teller type window which is much safer and easier for our clients.

Estimated Cost $8,000

Eight Thousand Dollars
Project Priority 2

Replace 20th Street Door:  This project will replace the current light weight glass door with a heavy use more secure glass and aluminum door with a heavy duty electronic lock.

Estimated Cost $5,000

Five Thousand Dollars
Project Priority 2

Building WIde Electrical Upgrades:  This is a large group of smaller of smaller projects located in various areas of the building.  It includes changing fuse panels to circit breakers to changing lighting to more energy efficient lighting to enhanced exterior lighting.

Estimated Cost $80,000

Eighty Thousand Dollars

Can be completed in small sections from $500 on up

Project Priority Ongoing

Computer System Upgrades:  This project will fully network our on site computers with the addition of a server and upgrading any older desk top computers.  THis will allow staff to fully share documents and allow for safer long term data storage.

Estimated Cost $45,000

Forty Five Thousand Dollars

Network Cabling Parts and materials donated to Date $30,000

Remaining Funding Needed $15,000
Project Priority 2

 

There are Still Projects Being Added to This List as They Become Better Defined.

 

Completed Projects and Their Costs:

Theater Security and Fire System: Estimated Cost $ 30,000
Received grant money totaling $15,000 and $15,000 inkind from Sonitrol

New Basement Electric Cable: Estimated Cost $ 8000
Received donated cable $ 5000 and A/C Electric donated labor $ 3000

Projection Booth and Equipment Restoration:
Estimated Cost $100,000
Received inkind donations from Don Marshall, Dusty Parker, Walt Blanchard, AMC Theaters, Theater Supply Company, Mann Theaters, Edwards Theaters, IATSE Labor Union, and James L from Oildale.

Back Up Generator Rebuild: Estimated Cost $ 5000.
Received inkind services from Andy Teixeira and Automotive Engineering

Theater Electrical Repairs: Estimated Cost $ 35,000
Received inkind services from Instant Electric.

HVAC Repairs: Estimated Cost $ 35,000
Received inkind services from Hillcrest Sheet Metal.

Additional Plumbing Repairs: Estimated Cost $ 15,000
Received inkind services from Dan Anderson

Theater Cleaning and Restoration Services: Estimated Costs $ 40,000
Received inkind materials and services from Ed & Sue Glunz of Servicemaster Quality Office Cleaning.

Electrical Supplies Needed to Open Building: Estimated Cost $ 5000
Donated by Stewart Electric.

Stage Rigging Repairs: Estimated Cost To Date $ 15,000
Donated by Stage Production Services and their crews.

Tower Clock Restoration: Including Value of the Clock. Estimated Value $100,000
Donated by Walt Koch and his crew of Volunteers.

Neon Transformers: Estimated Value $ 3000
Donated by Bakersfield Neon.

Exit Door Replacement:: Includes all of the wooden exit doors on the H and alley sides. The present doors are rotten and do not open or close properly. These doors will be replaced with new steel doors and frames. Labor to install these doors has been donated.
Value of labor $2000
Estimated Total Cost $ 2100
Project Priority 1
Completed 8/97

Restore Theater Marquee: This project includes replacing all missing and broken neon and repairing the broken panels in the Marquee sections. It also includes repainting and rewiring where needed.
Estimated Cost : $ 30,000
Project Priority 1
Received $10,000 from Castle and Cooke. Center Neon donated $16,000 inkind, Tony Saldana donated $ 1500 inkind and $ 2500 in other misc. inkind donations.
Completed 1997

Handicapped Restroom Facility: Includes the design and construction of building a unisex single unit facility off the main lobby on the first floor.
Estimated Cost $ 19,000
Project Priority 1
Received community block grant funding of $19,000
Completed July 1997

West Side Plumbing: Includes re-plumbing the West Side of the theater and repairing the restroom fixtures on both sides of the theater.
Materials and Labor Donated by HPS Plumbing
Estimated Value $ 30,000

Galaxy of Stars: Construct Galaxy of Stars as per drawing. Design details on drawing are fairly comprehensive, as well as dimensions. This project should be of high priority as a commitment to the community, and as a valuable incentive to further fundraising.
Total Estimated Cost: $ 6000
Project Priority 1
Received Grant West Foundation $4000
Remaining Funds Needed $2000(received inkind)
Completion November 1997

Concession Area Remodel Phase I: Begins the remodel of the Fox Concession Area to bring it into compliance with modern health codes and to restore it to it’s 1950’s Art Deco look.
Total Estimated Cost: $15,000
Project Priority 1
Received Inkind donations from HPS Plumbing $5000, J. Noble Binns Plumbing $2000 Dal Tile $ 2000 Cal Ply $2000 West Grant $4000
Completed 1996

Concession Area Remodel-Phase II: Complete the final phase of this remodel per the conceptual drawing, to include the etched glass, metal art, granite counter tops and other details recreate the 1950's feeling of the concession area. This project will in addition bring us into compliance with all health department requirements.
Total Estimated Cost: $ 10,000
Project Priority 1
Received Grant West Foundation $10,000
Completion December 1998

Additional Stage Electric Service: Our current electric capacity on stage is 200 amps. With all of the new technology in sound and lighting we need to increase our stage electric service to 600 amps. Currently promoters needing over the current 200 amps have to rent a generator to supply the needed electric service. If we add this 600 amp electric service we can charge a fee to use this extra service thus creating additional revenue to go back into the theater. Most all other theaters charge additional for this kind of service.
Total Estimated Cost $ 9000
Project Priority 1
Donated by Martha Knight and Danny Lipco
COMPLETED 8/97

Front Display Case Remodel: This project will restore the two front display cases. Both need new lighting, new glass track and should have safety glass installed. (Good sponsorship opportunity)
Estimated Cost $ 4000 ($2000 each)
Project Priority 1
Completed 10/97

Boiler Repair: Includes repairs to our existing steam boiler. Unlike our air conditioning compressor that just quit our boiler is giving us hints that it needs repairs, mainly leaking steam lines that need repair or replacement.
Total Estimated Cost $ 8000
Project Priority 1
Complete 1998

Surround Sound Speakers: With the installation of our new Dolby Surround system (donated) we need to replace the side wall speakers to properly work with the new sound system. Estimated cost for these 12 new speakers is $100 each or:
Total Estimated Cost $12,000
Project Priority 1
We received donated main speakers from AMC Theaters valued at $ 900 and $ 500 from Cal Resources.
Remaining Funds Needed $ 10600
Complete 1998

Exterior Landscaping: To include replacement of all sidewalks on the H and 20th sides of the building. New concrete is to be tinted concrete divided into two foot by two-foot diamonds in order to implement the walk of fame project. In addition trees will be planted on both the H and 20th street sides and all necessary irrigation and lighting.
Total Estimated Cost $ 38,000
Project Priority 3
Received Commitments of inkind donations totaling $30,000
Complete December 1998

East Side Plumbing: Includes re-plumbing the East Side of the theater including the retail shops. We found that the plumbing in the West Side was bad and it has been replaced but the East Side of the building has not been done yet. Several local contractors have donated Labor for this project so we must just provide materials and they can be purchased wholesale.
Total Estimated Cost $ 26,000
Project Priority 1
HPS and J. Noble Binns Plumbing have donated labor Totaling $16,000.
Remaining Funds Needed $10,000
To Be Complete September 2000
Donated by Lowell Milton

Carpet Cleaning& Repair: Cost to completely deep clean and repair all carpet on the first and second floors.
Total Estimated Cost $1500
Project Priority 1
COMPLETED September 2000

Expand Women’s Restroom: This includes design and costs associated with expanding the women’s restroom on the second floor into the largely unused lounge area also include remodeling the existing restroom facility. We have received approximately $30,000 In Kind Support
Estimated Cost $ 25,000
Project Priority 1
Funded August 2000 by the Arkelian Foundation and several matching Grants
Completion November 2000

Expand Men’s Restroom: Includes the design and costs associated with expanding the men’s restroom into the largely unused lounge area. It also includes remodeling the existing restroom facility.
Estimated Cost $ 65,000
Project Priority 2
Funded August 2000 by the Arkelian Foundation and several matching Grants
Completion November 2000

Fox Tower: The Fox Tower is a landmark phoenix of architecture. While we have been able to paint the tower it’s complete restoration encompasses a multi color paint scheme. The restoration of the clock faces with a powder coat finish, installation of new neon, reinstallation of the clock works and locating the drive mechanism in the tower base for public viewing was completed in late 1997. We want to cover the tower dome with a ceramic tile to seal the dome and create a colorfast finish, restoration of the weathervane, installation of architectural up - lighting on relief artwork and scaffolding necessary to accomplish these tasks. The costs break down roughly as follows: paint and labor $13,800, scaffolding for 6 weeks $ 17,500, mechanical work $ 4000 tile work $ 2400 Lighting $ 4000 , weathervane , clock faces and railings $ 3000.
Total Estimated Cost $ 50,700
Project Priority 1
Received $4000 for Clock Neon from Terry Moreland and $3000 in donated powder coating from Rain for Rent
Remaining Funds Needed $43,700
Funded 9/1/00 Patricia C. Brown Charitable Trust

Replace Theater Doors: Cost to replace the brushed aluminum front doors to the theater. The current doors have been repaired many times and parts are no longer available.
Total estimated cost from Rosedale Glass:$ 8000
Project Priority 1
Funded 9/1/00 Patricia C. Brown Charitable Trust

Restore Terrazzo: Cost to acid wash, replace all missing material scrub clean, neutralize, and apply two coats of clear coat water based product that can be removed with normal floor finish stripping products.
Total Estimated Cost $7000
Project Priority 2
Funding already in hand $2000
Funds Needed $ 5000
Funded 1/2001 by the Bakersfield Californian Foundation

Replace Theater Curtains: This project includes replacing all of the interior Theater curtains. Some of these will need to be manufactured out of special acoustically transparent fabric for the pipe organ openings. We have received a bid from Tru-Roll Inc a major manufacturer of theater draperies. The cost breaks down as follows and can be funded individually; Main Drape $ 9000
Austrian Drape $ 900, Gold Eyelash Drape $ 6500, Mid-Stage Blue Drop $ 2900
Proscenium Valence $ 2300, 2 Proscenium Swags $3500,
2 Left and 2 Right Swags $ 6600, Exit Door Drapes $ 800,
Auditorium Drapes Upper & Lower Panels $ 3400, Off Stage Panels $ 6600
Sound Transparent Speaker Panels $ 700, 4 Tassels $ 2800
Estimated Cost $ 46,000
Project Priority 1
Funded 6-2001 Brown Foundation

Replace Theater Carpeting: Includes the design and production of carpet that replicates the 1950's Art Deco decor of the theater but will be easy to clean and maintain.  Sam Stewart from Abby Carpet will help us to coordinate this project.  The carpet mill has produced a sample of the original 1950's carpet and this estimate is based on that sample.

Estimated Cost $75,000

Seventy Five Thousand Dollars

Project Priority 1

Complete

Dressing Room Hand Utility Upgrades : This project will upgrade all of the HVAC and utility systems in the Dressing Room Areas.

Estimated cost $35,000

Thirty Five Thousand Dollars 

Complete 2004 Donated by Oasis

Lobby Lighting Upgrade: This project wil pay for the creation of stylistically correct wall sconces and upgrade the switching and dimming capabilities of the lobby light systems.

Estimated Cost $20,000

Twenty Thousand Dollars

In-Kind Donations $10,000

Remaining Funds Needed $10,000

Complete April 2005 Donated by Board of Directors

Replace HVAC System:  This project consists of replacing the entire Fox Theater Heating and Cooling Systems.  Many components date from the buildings construction in 1930, a testament to the quality of equipment built in those days. Several components were replaced in the 1950's and 60's when a R22 Air Conditioning system was installed.  This system was restored in 1994 with donated material and labor from the community and has served us for the past 7 years though not always dependably.  The main cooling coils have 20 percent blockage that can not be repaired, thus, the system already not efficient by today's standards, is further reduced by 20 percent.  The steam coils dating from 1930 have been patched so many times that they can no longer be repaired.  The resulting leaks make this coil highly inefficient as well, putting "Band-Aids" on problems in it's efforts to keep the equipment operating, as without these vital building systems the building would have to close.  While we habe been successful with our "Band-Aid" efforts another problem has hit us sqaure on.  the California energy situation and the skyrocketing rates have amplified the inefficiency of our system.  Our natual has bills have gone from $800 to $1000 in FY 2000 to an alarming $2000 to $4000 this year and our electric bills are at over $2000 this year during the winter compared to $1000 last winter.  We are afraid to see what they will do when we turn on our 100 tons of 1953 cooling system.  Due to these factors it has become imperative that the Fox find a way to implement this now vital project.  This project when fully implemented will dramatically lower the theater's operating costs in the terms of utility and maintenance cists.  The project estimate includes design costs, demolition and installation of new energy efficient environmentally friendly equipment.

Estimated Cost $350,000

Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars

Project Priority 1

Hillcrest Donation $150,000

Balance Funded 2005 By Refinancing Theater Mortgage

These are just the major projects completed. There are volunteers working in and around the Fox almost on a daily basis. These efforts take care of the hundreds of smaller but still important repairs and restoration projects that are vital too the theaters survival. These donated hours are in the thousands of hours per year and total well over $ 1,000,000 in value over the seven years we have been working on the Fox Project. These people are contractors, tradesmen, businessmen and othe5r professions all working towards our dream of the Fox Theater becoming Downtowns Premier Cultural Arts Center.

Total Value of Smaller In-Kind Services
Over $2,900,000!!!!!

Two Million Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars in smaller projects and services Donated and still counting!!!!!