Fox West Theatre Seeks Funds to Start Phase Two Construction in Trinidad

The Fox West Theatre Alliance is pressing a fundraising campaign to begin Phase Two construction on the Fox West Theatre, a 1908 landmark on downtown Trinidad’s Main Street. The move is intended to carry a long-running, multi-phase rehabilitation into the next round of preservation and redevelopment work that organizers say will strengthen downtown foot traffic, small-business opportunities, and cultural infrastructure for Las Animas County.

The project, managed by the Alliance in partnership with the City of Trinidad and multiple public and private funders, has already completed a number of preservation tasks. Work to date includes conservation of historic architectural elements, brick and façade restoration, interior mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades, and rehabilitation of an east retail bay targeted for near-term occupancy. Specialized conservation contractors and architecture and engineering consultants have been engaged to meet preservation standards while modernizing life-safety systems.

Funding for the restoration has been assembled from a mix of state and federal programs, foundation grants, and community fundraising. Major named sources in the campaign include Colorado Creative Industries, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, History Colorado state historical funding, and EPA-related redevelopment support, supplemented by foundation grants and local giving such as a Save-a-Seat seat-sponsorship drive. Earlier phases benefited from Community Revitalization Grant funding and matching support; current fundraising focuses on closing remaining matching requirements that are central to proceeding with Phase Two construction.

Beyond heritage preservation, the Alliance frames the Fox West rehabilitation as catalytic for downtown revitalization. Restored performance space and adjacent retail bays are expected to increase evening and year-round activity, create venues for arts education and community gatherings, and provide leasable space for retail and food-service businesses that can expand local employment and attract regional visitors. The project also creates volunteer and donor-engagement opportunities intended to keep ownership local through membership, sponsorships, and events.

Public health and equity considerations are woven into the technical scope: upgrades to mechanical and life-safety systems improve building safety and indoor environmental conditions, and restoring a public-facing cultural venue can strengthen social connections and economic resilience in a county with limited cultural infrastructure. At the same time, the project highlights broader policy issues rural communities face when projects hinge on matching funds and layered grant requirements, which can delay construction and complicate equitable access to redevelopment benefits.

For residents who want to follow progress or support the campaign, the Alliance’s official website and newsletter maintain donation links, a Save-a-Seat seat map, contact information, and periodic construction updates. As Phase Two fundraising advances, the near-term delivery of an occupied east retail bay and the start of major preservation tasks would signal a tangible boost to downtown Trinidad’s evening life and local small-business prospects.