Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council conditionally approves demolition to enable Fox Theater expansion, citing access and program needs
Summary
Following public testimony from donors, patrons and theater board members, council voted to conditionally approve demolition of contributing structures at 17–27 N. Stone to enable a Fox Theatre expansion intended to add elevators, restrooms and a second‑floor venue while preserving the theater’s historic integrity.
A public hearing on the Fox Tucson Theatre’s request to conditionally demolish contributing structures at 17–27 North Stone Avenue drew testimony from regular attendees, donors and local preservation advocates.
Supporters highlighted the theater’s role as an arts anchor, the need for additional lobby, restroom and accessibility improvements and the opportunity to add a second‑floor flexible venue for community programming. Donors and longtime patrons said the upgrades would improve accessibility for older attendees and expand youth and community programming.
Staff and the Tucson‑Pima historic commission reviewed the proposal and recommended conditional approval with preservation conditions and oversight to protect the historic character of the Fox and the Downtown Historic District. Council members acknowledged the weight of approving a demolition in a National Register historic district but said the planned expansion would secure the Fox’s long‑term viability, accessibility and programmatic breadth.
After discussion of historic preservation safeguards and design oversight, council adopted Resolution 24,021 approving the demolition conditional on the replacement plan and preservation protocols described in staff’s recommendation.
What’s next: the Fox and its design team will proceed under the conditions set by the resolution and historic‑preservation review; staff will monitor compliance with the replacement plan and preservation conditions.
