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1 Winslow Street Development, Redwood City 8.A. - Page 205 <br /> "The Fox Theatre opened its door to the public on January 2, 1929, by Ellis John Arkursh <br /> to show motion pictures... Used mainly for motion pictures, the theatre was purchased <br /> by the Fox West Coast Chain only a few months after opening, and it continued to be <br /> used for movie attractions for a number of years until the theatre was closed for <br /> renovations in June of 1950 for four months before re- opening its doors September of <br /> 1950 for live performances and shows. [According to the DPR form, the theater was <br /> opened with an appearance of George Jessel.] <br /> After its renovations, the theatre became a popular venue for many incredible artists <br /> such as Vanessa Williams, Etta James, Bill Cosby, Neil Young, Melissa Etheridge, BB King, <br /> and many others. <br /> Since the Lochtefelds have taken over in recent times, they have hosted musicians Colbie <br /> Caillat, George Thorogood, ABBA, Air Supply, and Blood Sweat & Tears, and famous <br /> authors [such as] Caroline Kennedy, John Green, George R. R. Martin, Supreme Court <br /> Justice Sotomayor, and even the President of the United States, Barack Obama." <br /> These and other artists have used the dressing rooms as part of their appearances in Redwood City; <br /> however, the showcase of their talents must be recognized as primarily associated with the stage and <br /> main theatrical house, the spaces also specifically designated for their architectural significance. No <br /> significant stories from the past have emerged that relate occurrences in the dressing -room wing with <br /> the larger history of the Fox Theater. The presence of the wing does provide an important link between <br /> the historic and current use of the building for live performance. Without the dressing rooms, the <br /> theater would not be understood as having provided early vaudeville and other live performances, as <br /> well as moving pictures; the presence of the dressing -room wing, or, perhaps, a continuously used <br /> portion of the dressing -room wing, therefore, has value to the understanding of the building as a whole. <br /> Analysis is provided below, to delineate the architectural significance of this wing as a part of the larger <br /> historic resource: <br /> The exterior of the dressing -room wing has the appearance and "feel" of an addition rather than an <br /> integrated design component. Although it is original, its rough, utilitarian exterior materials, low flat - <br /> roofed form, and not - quite - full -width footprint are all commensurate with the perception of a service <br /> wing intended to be concealed by surrounding buildings. The dressing -room wing does not exhibit any <br /> of the gothic detailing or mid - century elegance for which the Fox Theater received its National Register <br /> listing. <br /> Plan Integrity: It appears likely that the plan of the dressing -room wing has remained relatively <br /> unchanged over time. The framework consists of a series of smaller rooms along a double - loaded <br /> corridor that opens into a green room /lounge at the west end. In addition to the lounge, there are two <br /> larger dressing areas at the east end of the corridor, four additional smaller dressing rooms, a <br /> kitchenette, two restrooms (one with a shower), storage, and a laundry, as wells as stair access and <br /> exiting to and from the stage. <br /> ARCHIVES & ARCHITECTURE <br />