Construction began on what was to be called the Tower Theatre at Congress
and Stone on August 24, 1929. The theatre was to be the crown jewel in the
Diamos Brothers’ Lyric Amusement chain of theatres throughout Southern Arizona.
By late September of the same year, the Fox West Coast Theatre chain had acquired
the property along with the others in the Lyric chain, and the Tower became
the Fox. Originally budgeted at $200,000, the theatre would eventually cost
$300,000 including furnishings. Designed as a dual vaudeville/movie house,
the Fox featured a stage, full fly-loft, and dressing rooms beneath the stage.
The combined effects of "talkies" and the Depression limited the opportunities
for live performance, and the dressing rooms were never completed.
Opening night, April 11, 1930, proved to be the biggest
party the small community of Tucson had ever seen. With Congress Street
closed and waxed for dancing, four live bands, a live radio broadcast and
free trolley rides Downtown, the party was one not to be missed.Those lucky
enough to have bought tickets in advance—3,000 or so people—enjoyed the
show inside as well as out. The film "Chasing Rainbows," a MovieTone short,
and a Mickey Mouse cartoon were well received by both audiences that evening,
and the Fox Theatre began its 40year life as the center of Tucson’s entertainment
world.
Competition from other venues, drive-ins and television conspired to end
the run of popularity the Fox had enjoyed. Partial remodels of the theatre
left it with most of its original charm, but vanishing retail and housing
Downtown spelled the end in 1974. Various efforts to revive the theatre
were unsuccessful, but luckily the property was spared the wrecking ball.
Hidden from the view of the public for more than 26 years, the grand theatre
was never forgotten by its former patrons. It lives in their memories, awaiting
a time when Tucson will embrace their history and bring back the Fox.
