Redwood City city feature
About this landmark
From movie palace to live performance venue
The Fox Theatre is located on Broadway Street in downtown Redwood City. The theatre opened to the public on January 2, 1929, originally as the New Sequoia Theater. Developer Ellis John Arkush conceived the design after touring Europe, with the structure executed by the Reid Brothers architectural firm of San Francisco. The interior features Moorish styling while the exterior displays Gothic Revival architecture. The theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
Entertainment and evolution
Upon opening in 1929, the theatre operated as a movie palace serving the Redwood City community. The original developer was Ellis John Arkush, who conceived the design after touring Europe. The Reid Brothers architectural firm of San Francisco executed the design, creating a distinctive blend of Moorish interior and Gothic Revival exterior elements. The venue remained in operation through the decades under various ownership, including the Fox West Coast chain which purchased it shortly after opening.
In 1950, the theatre underwent significant renovation during a closure lasting from June to September. Falling plaster from the ceiling had injured about 30 people that year, prompting the restoration work. Following this work, the theatre reopened as the Fox, transitioning from exclusive movie exhibition to live performance programming. The theatre went dark in 2009 but was purchased and reopened in summer 2010. Community-backed renovations and city support restored the historic venue. The theatre now operates as home to Broadway By The Bay, which produces 4 to 5 musicals each year.
Today and visiting
The Fox Theatre is an active live entertainment and rental venue in downtown Redwood City. The main theatre provides seating across two floors, with additional capacity through a banquet configuration and the separate Club Fox venue. The National Register listing recognizes the building's architectural significance under the name New Sequoia Theater Building. The theatre's distinctive architectural character, blending Gothic Revival exterior elements with Moorish interior design, makes it a notable landmark in the downtown area.
Current programming and rental inquiries can be directed to the theatre at phone (650) 369-7770 or email [email protected]. The venue operates as a working theatre and event space, hosting Broadway By The Bay productions and other community performances throughout the year. The theatre remains a focal point for live entertainment and cultural events in Redwood City.
Insurance connection: Home insurance basics
A standard homeowners policy has two main parts: property coverages for your dwelling, other structures, personal property, and loss of use; and liability coverages for personal liability and medical payments. California insurers must disclose that rebuild costs may differ from the dwelling limit and provide replacement-cost estimates on request. Learn about homeowners insurance. After a covered loss, homeowners have at least 12 months to repair or rebuild (24 months if a state emergency is declared). Insurers cannot cancel during reconstruction except for fraud. Many homes are underinsured because post-disaster upgrades exceed original limits. Eligibility and limits depend on your policy. The issued policy controls.
Primary sources: the theatre's official About page and the Wikipedia article.
Insurance context is general information only. The issued policy and its endorsements settle coverage.