The Fox Theater's new seats pay homage to the Detroit landmark's 1928 origins

Detroit's Fox Theater has been modernized after nearly a century of construction.

For the first time since it opened in 1928, all-new seats have been installed in the large, historic downtown venue, awaiting the half-million attendees who attend Fox events annually.

The new seats – all more than 5,000 – feature modern touches like cup holders, but retain the Fox's classic burgundy motif, now decorated with sepia patterns and a pretty embroidered “F” in a nod to the theater's original logo.

In June, the theater quietly went dark for the three-month project, and on September 28, the seats were filled for the first time by fans attending a show by country artist Sturgill Simpson.

The installation followed a years-long process that included trips to a dozen theaters across the country for inspiration and more than 100 design iterations before the color scheme was finalized.

“All the details were important,” said Tim Padgett, senior vice president of venue operations at Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “We wanted the seats to have a very historic look and feel, but with very modern amenities.”

Upgrades include more durable fabrics and more comfortable pillows, as well as illuminated row lights to make it easier for patrons to find their place in the theater.

The Fox's original seats were reupholstered when the theater was restored and reopened by the Ilitches in 1988. For the new design, officials used archival photos and fabric remnants of the original 1928 upholstery to recreate the classic “F” that now adorns the back of every seat.

The installation was overseen by Irwin Seating Co. in Grand Rapids, which also handles seating at Fox sister venues Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena.

The Fox Seats are the latest upgrades to the three-story U.S. National Historic Landmark, which served as a movie palace for most of its life and was the famous home of Motown's Motortown Revues in the '60s. In 2015 a new marquee and tower were installed.

“We are pleased to make these investments in the Fox to further enhance the guest experience while maintaining the elegance that truly makes this iconic theater the crown jewel of Detroit,” Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies, said in a statement .

Upcoming Fox events include shows from Dave Chappelle (November 15), Jim Gaffigan (November 22-23) and Ice Cube (December 14), as well as the traditional holiday offering: “Elf the Musical” (November 6). . -10), “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (Nov. 27 – Dec. 1), “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” (Dec. 13) and the Cirque du Soleil production “'Twas the Night Before” (Dec. 20). .-Dec. 31). ).

“The Fox Theater is a historic landmark, so with any expansion we take care to preserve that essence,” said Howard Handler, president of 313 Presents.

As for the old seats that were removed from the Fox Theater? Most are in storage, various plans are in the works, while a total of 2,000 have already been donated to two Detroit organizations: Life Remodeled will use them to set up its new Anchor Detroit hub on the east side, while Rebel Nell will use the materials for making jewelry.

Contact Detroit Free Press music writer Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or [email protected].

The Fox Theater's new seats pay homage to the Detroit landmark's 1928 origins

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