Opening in October of 1946, The Aurora Fox and its spectacular 61-foot marquee was instantly recognized as a the city's most prominent landmark. The theatre brought throngs of crowds to downtown Aurora and dozens of successful business including Penney's, Joslins, Fashion Bar and Woolworth's, were built around our city's anchor. Clearly, The Fox was a catalyst for the rapidly emerging downtown.

For decades, life in Aurora revolved around The Fox. Spontaneous parades would break out as the high school marching band and pep club practiced in the parking lot after school. Folks would drive from Lakewood and Denver to enjoy the entertainment which always included at least six cartoons, a serial and a double feature. A tuxedoed theatre manager would greet you at the door with a hearty handshake. Of course, a squadron of proper usherettes, decked in their burgundy and gray uniforms would seat you without the slightest delay.

In the 70s, the theatre began to decline and in 1981 a devastating fire forced the doors to close. This historic landmark was at the edge of demolition, until a small, but determined coalition of Aurora Arts groups worked to save The Fox. With the assistance of the Downtown Aurora Business Association (now NABA) and the Northwest Aurora Neighborhood Association, an initiative to preserve the historic arts center was successful.

Now, nearly 60 years later, The Aurora Fox is still an anchor for Original Aurora. The neon laced marquee will still be the most easily recognized landmark on the newly redeveloped Colfax Promenade. The Fox is truly a symbol celebrating both Aurora's past and its future.