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The Fox Theatre, renowned for its history, architecture and performing arts, opened in 1929 as a home for Atlanta Shriners. Temple and mosque motifs reflected movie palace escapist fantasy of the time.
As costs escalated, the Shriners leased the venue to movie mogul and developer William Fox. The popular theater succumbed to the Great Depression and was forced to declare bankruptcy but later regained its financial footing. In 1974, Southern Bell attempted to demolish the Fox but it was saved by a community-wide “Save the Fox” campaign. This year, the Fox will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its preservation story.