Newsletter: Issue #05

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Trinidad Tea Co. Opening Soon 

Opening soon. The east retail space, home to the Trinidad Tea Co., is nearly 100% complete. Look for its opening in the coming weeks. We will send an official Grand Opening announcement when the date is set. Christa Franks, owner of Trinidad Tea Co., was recently interviewed for a story by KOAA News. If you missed it and want to hear more about Trinidad Tea Co., Christa's passion for herbs, her commitment to honoring the past, and how she views the tea company's connection to the Fox West Theatre, click here or watch below! 

Construction Update 

Designed by Isaac M. & William H. Rapp, the West Theatre (named the West until the 1940s) opened in 1908. Central to its exterior design was a grand arched entryway that has not been seen for almost a century. Restoration efforts and the removal of the construction enclosure have finally revealed the original archway. Work will continue on the street front façade over the next 2-3 months and will include the installation of the following: columns that replicate those included in the Rapp & Rapp design; painstakingly recreated divided light transom windows above the store front windows; and a recessed entryway with an arched transom, restored original moulding, and doors crafted by skilled local builders.

As part of the street front façade restoration, the extensively damaged marquee has been taken down. After local approval was received by the City Council and the Historic Preservation Committee, the project team worked closely with History Colorado and the Colorado Historical Foundation regarding the handling and removal of the marquee. The marquee is safely in storage for future display (not on the building). Its removal will allow for the full architectural expression of the Rapp & Rapp design. Once it is put back on public display, the fully restored marquee will serve as a reminder to the community of the days when the Fox West Theatre operated as a beloved movie theater. The Fox West Theatre Alliance will seek community input about its next home.

"Before" photo (left) taken February 9, 2018. "Progress" photo (right) taken October 21, 2022.

Community Survey 

Community survey. We invite you to fill out the community survey linked here. It only takes a few minutes to complete, but will provide us with invaluable information regarding programming, potential project funding, project design, and your overall support for the renovation of the Fox West Theatre. Please share the survey link with your friends. Thank you for your time and thoughts -- we truly appreciate it.

Funding Partners

  • Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade

  • Department of Local Affairs

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  • Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment

  • History Colorado's State Historical Fund

  • Boettcher Foundation

  • El Pomar Foundation

Many thanks to our partners that have supported our project through generous grant awards!

Fox West Theatre Alliance Board of Directors 

  • Curt Wallach and Suzanne Magnuson, Co-Presidents

  • Gina Cimino, Vice President

  • Myland Pride, Treasurer

  • Stephanie Bakken, Secretary

  • Jerry Campbell, Member

  • Christina Duran, Member

  • Christa Franks, Member

  • Kim Lucero, Member

  • Jim Montoya, Member

  • Dora Silver, Member

  • Lou Simpleman, Member

  • Jo Ann Simpleman, Member

Project Team

Custom Plaster (conservation services): Greg Marsters

Historic Stage Services (scenery restoration): Wendy Waszut-Barrett

Theatre Consultants Collaborative: Paul Sanow and Robert Long

Jensen Hughes (code and life safety consulting): Sean Donahue

EverGreene Architectural Arts (historic element restoration): Jeff Greene

HCDA Engineering (structural engineer): Steve Horner

GMS Consulting (civil engineering): Ken White

VMWilson Consulting (fundraising): Vickie Wilson

City of Trinidad (building owner): Mayor Phil Rico, Audra Garrett (Interim City Manager), City Council

Urban Neighborhoods, Inc. (project management): Dana Crawford, Chris Smith, Sara Hubbard, Lisa Evans, Stephanie Bakken

CSNA Architects (architecture): Gregory Friesen, Diana Esquivel-Gamboa, Taylor Mueller, Ken Thomas, Alicia Gonzales

Trinidad Construction Group (General Contractor): Karl Gabrielson, Jim Perrotti, Sam McDonald

IMEG (mechanical, electrical, plumbing engineering): Ken Urbanek, Mark Zappanti, Walker Jones, Carrie Burgart, Jacob Nicol

Agave Landscapes & Masonry (brick restoration): Thaddeus Hust

The Fox West Theatre Alliance

The Fox West Theatre Alliance, a 501(c)3 organization, was established to enrich the lives of residents of Trinidad and its visitors. The Alliance is also organized to oversee the rehabilitation efforts and manage the historic Fox West Theatre as a leading performance, educational, and gathering venue. The Alliance strives to strengthen and energize the community and to serve as a catalyst for cultural and economic growth.

Urban Neighborhoods