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History at a Glance

1920 - The Colonial is conceived, owned, and operated by the Pittsburg Amusement Company, which also operates the Mystic and Klock theatres in Pittsburg. Local architects design the building in accordance to styles established in large cities. According to The Pittsburg Daily Headlight, the Colonial Theatre is "constructed along the same lines as the Isis in Kansas City."

1926 – The Colonial undergoes an extensive exterior remodeling and complete interior redecorating.

1930 - The Pittsburg Amusement Company leases the Midland and Colonial to the Fox Kansas Theatre Company.

1942- August fire damages theatre, Muse’s Orange Bowl, and Colonial Hat Works. Colonial Fox closed two months for renovation.  Colonial’s bookings transferred to Cozy Theatre. October Pittsburg Headlight announces reopening of theatre.

1950s – In 1958, the metal and brick false fronts are added to the Colonial, and when the current art-deco Fox marquee is attached in 1959, the Colonial becomes known as the Fox Theatre.

1983 – The Fox Theatre closes and remains vacant for over 20 years.

2007 – In 2007 The Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation gains its 501c3 federal tax exempt status. The theatre is purchased by the Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation and is accepted to the Register of Historic Kansas Places.

2008 – The Colonial Fox Theatre is placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

2009 – The theatre receives a new roof and new tuck-pointing on the south wall and west façade, funded by the Kansas Historic Society and the Pritchett Family Trust.

2010 - The Foundation receives United States Department of Interior Save Americas Treasures appropriation.

2011 - The Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation completes north wall repair, mold and asbestos removal, and basement de-watering projects. Purchased the National Bank Building after a bid for its destruction was put out.

2012 - Old HVAC demolition,  New concrete stairs to stage are poured, cleaning up loose, peeling paint from foyer walls. Patching hole in stage right wall.

2013 - East facade window infills are installed. The marquee is removed and CDL Electric Sign Co is storing it. Electrical service is installed in the concession area. West facade brick infill is completed and entryway electrical is installed. Heikes Masonry and Restoration starts plaster work in the entryway.

2014 - Exit door platform built and cornice light installation on East Facade. Decorative metal grates added to the east facade. Transom window touchup along with the beginning of the ticket booth restoration.

2015 - Restoration of the exterior poster frames is completed. The ticket booth plaster is finished and the glaze is applied. Missing entryway floor tile is replicated and installed. A catch basin is completed on the west side of the theatre for water runoff.

2016 - The grand entry way is completed and revealed to the public. HVAC is installed in the theatre along with a rebuilt attic. Sprinkler system construction begins along with the restoration of the lobby restrooms.

2017 - A 4" water main is installed to provide water to the sprinkler system. The sprinkler system construction is completed along with a fire alarm system. The restroom restoration and plumbing is completed. Sold the National Bank Building to the Vecino Group for the purchase price originally paid.

2018 -  The Colonial Fox Theatre releases RFP for master plan architectural design services.

2019 - Purchased the lot next to the theatre. Hired GastingerWalker& as our architects for the master build plan. Hired a fundraising consultant to guide us through the final hurdle of the theatre's restoration.