SM&W Contribution
Originally opened in 1929 as the New Sequoia Theatre, the theatre served as both a movie house and vaudeville theatre with orchestra pit. Now named the Fox Theatre; after being purchased by Fox West Coast, the theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and acts as a pillar in the historic district of downtown Redwood City. After recent purchase by Sandhill Properties, Rafael Viñoly Architects was engaged to perform a feasibility study to notate the space’s existing conditions, deficiencies, code compliance issues, and work towards a renovation plan.
Shen Milsom & Wilke (SM&W) provided audiovisual design with theatrical specialty services and IT infrastructure design services for the feasibility study. Theatrical consulting encompassed a detailed assessment of the rigging, performance lighting, seating configurations and storage concerns. The rigging assessment focused on safety, increased usability for rental events and the speed of changeover between events. In addition to 19-line sets, of which many are original, there have been numerous additions and modifications including chain hoist supports for audio and lighting equipment supported over the house.
The audiovisual system has been upgraded and modified over the years but is lacking in the permanent infrastructure to support the latest technology. The AV assessment defines improvements which can enhance the performance and flexibility of the systems.
Because there was no permanent IT infrastructure in the building, the IT study outlines the future opportunities possible with a robust permanent infrastructure upon renovation.