The Fox Theatre’s new Marquee Club is aptly named: The $10 million expansion includes a restored rooftop terrace that stands just above the level of the movie palace’s marquee. The “x” in the famous “Fox” sign seems almost within reach.
The open-air patio lacks the altitude or spaciousness of, say, Ponce City Market’s rooftop venues, but it offers special excitement for fans of the movie palace as one of Atlanta’s crown jewels. Visiting the terrace offers a fresh perspective above Peachtree Street, an impressive view of the neighboring skyscrapers and a chance to feel connected to the theater’s 89-year history.
“The Fox had a roof-level terrace when it opened, so this is a chance to restore it to its original glory,” says Laura Zimbrick, corporate and premium partnership manager.
Offering public access to the roof for the first time in nearly 65 years, the terrace is like the tip of the iceberg — the visible portion that hints at the Marquee Club’s larger interior. At 10,000 square feet, the club is more spacious than the Fox’s Grand Salon or Egyptian Ballroom, and features a total of five bars on the main level, mezzanine and upper level, including a covered, open-air beer garden for refreshments before and after shows, as well as intermission.
Atlanta-based architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent extends the Moorish, Arabian and Art Deco designs of the rest of facility, and includes a chandelier with more than 200 hand-blown glass shapes, 71 pieces of furniture created by Tucker’s Corn Upholstery Co. and contributions from almost 50 other Georgia-based vendors.
Opening last May, the Marquee Club expanded into space previously occupied by a jazz club and retail businesses. Its additions now allow Fox visitors to enjoy the theater outside and in.
Fox Theatre. 660 Peachtree St. 885-285-8499. Foxtheatre.org
Insider tip
In addition to corporate, non-corporate and Broadway in Atlanta subscriber memberships, non-members can access limited, first-come, first-served passes to the Marquee Club for select events.
— Curt Holman
