The Unfinished Saga Of The ASU Fox Theatre San Bernardino: History, Controversy, And Its Current 2025 Status
The ASU Fox Theatre in San Bernardino represents one of the most compelling and, at times, controversial sagas in Southern California’s historic preservation landscape. As of December 2025, the venue stands as a stunning piece of restored architecture, yet its operational future remains tethered to the uncertain fate of its owner, the American Sports University (ASU), following recent legal and accreditation issues. This article delves into the venue's grand past as a classic movie palace, the dramatic acquisition and renovation that gave it its current name, and the critical updates surrounding its status today.
Originally a jewel of the city's downtown, the theatre's journey from a silent film icon to a university-owned event space is a microcosm of San Bernardino’s own efforts at revitalization. Visitors and residents alike remain curious about the full extent of its restoration and when the historic stage will once again host a consistent calendar of major public performances.
The Grand History of a San Bernardino Movie Palace
The building now known as the ASU Fox Theatre began its life as a spectacular cinematic venue, part of the nationwide chain of opulent "movie palaces" built by the Fox Film Corporation. Its history is deeply rooted in the golden age of cinema and vaudeville.
Opening Night and Architectural Splendor
The original Fox Theatre San Bernardino first opened its doors on September 20, 1929, a date that marked a significant cultural milestone for the city. Located on Court Street, the theatre was designed to transport its patrons to another world, reflecting the lavish, escapist atmosphere popular during the late 1920s. While specific architectural details of the San Bernardino location are often conflated with its sister theaters, it featured the ornate, Spanish-influenced architecture typical of the Fox chain, which included elements like elaborate plasterwork, soaring ceilings, and a grand lobby. These architectural details solidified its status as a premier entertainment venue in the Inland Empire.
For decades, the Fox Theatre was a cultural anchor for the Downtown San Bernardino area, hosting films, live performances, and community events. However, like many single-screen movie palaces, it eventually struggled to compete with modern multiplexes and fell into disrepair. After the *San Bernardino County Sun* newspaper purchased the building, it was used primarily as a storage warehouse for nearly 50 years, a period that saw its original seating removed and its grandeur completely obscured.
The American Sports University (ASU) Acquisition and Renovation
The theatre's fortunes changed dramatically in the mid-2000s, initiating the chapter that gives the venue its modern, and often confusing, name.
Dr. Harry Hwang and the New ASU Identity
In February 2004, the historic structure was purchased by Dr. Harry Hwang, the founder of the American Sports University (ASU). This acquisition was part of a larger, ambitious plan to establish the new private university campus in Downtown San Bernardino. The theatre was not just a separate event venue; it was incorporated directly into the university's campus as the ASU Fox Theatre, serving as a central lecture hall, performance space, and meeting venue for the institution.
Dr. Hwang and ASU undertook a years-long, comprehensive renovation effort to restore the dilapidated theatre. The project aimed to return the venue to its former glory while outfitting it with modern amenities. The restoration included the careful refurbishment of the Spanish-style architectural elements, the installation of new sound and lighting systems, and the creation of a versatile space capable of hosting everything from university graduations to large-scale public events and raves.
The theatre's address, 399 N D St, San Bernardino, CA 92401, became synonymous with the ASU campus, which also included a fitness center and the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum, all part of the university's vision for a vibrant, sports-focused educational environment.
The Current Status of the ASU Fox Theatre in 2025
Despite the successful physical restoration, the operational status of the ASU Fox Theatre in late 2025 is complex and uncertain, primarily due to the legal and financial issues surrounding its owner, the American Sports University.
The Uncertainty of American Sports University
The primary source of ambiguity is the status of the "ASU" itself. The American Sports University has faced significant challenges, including remaining unaccredited since its founding in 2006. The situation escalated in early 2024 when the City of San Bernardino announced that a court-appointed receiver was overseeing a former ASU dormitory, a development that signals major operational and legal instability for the university. While the university's website may still list the theatre as a venue for rent and public events, this legal action casts a long shadow over the theatre's consistent public availability.
This instability explains the conflicting reports on the venue's event calendar. While some ticketing platforms still list the ASU Fox Theatre as an active venue for San Bernardino events, others explicitly state that there are No Upcoming Events scheduled. This suggests that while the physical venue is restored and available for private rental—and occasionally hosts an event—it lacks a consistent, publicly managed calendar of performances, unlike other major restored venues in the region.
A Beacon for Downtown Revitalization
Regardless of the ownership and operational challenges, the ASU Fox Theatre remains a pivotal entity in the larger narrative of Downtown San Bernardino revitalization. Its sheer presence, restored facade, and potential for large-scale gatherings serve as a tangible symbol of the city's commitment to preserving its historic landmarks and fostering a cultural hub. The theatre is a key piece of the city's cultural infrastructure, alongside other venues like the California Theatre, and its ultimate fate is closely watched by community leaders and preservationists.
The theatre's future likely hinges on the resolution of the American Sports University’s legal standing. Should the property transfer ownership or management to a dedicated, stable arts and culture entity, the ASU Fox Theatre could finally fulfill its potential as a consistently operating, world-class performance venue. Until then, it remains a beautifully restored, yet often silent, monument to San Bernardino’s storied past and its hopes for a vibrant future.
The ongoing saga of the ASU Fox Theatre serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges inherent in historic preservation, especially when tied to the volatile landscape of private educational institutions. Its 1929 grandeur is restored, but its 2025 destiny is still being written.
Key Entities and Topical Authority in the Fox Theatre Narrative
- Historic Fox Theatre San Bernardino: The original name and a major entity for local history.
- American Sports University (ASU): The private, unaccredited university that purchased and renovated the site.
- Dr. Harry Hwang: The founder of ASU and the individual responsible for the theatre's modern restoration.
- San Bernardino County Sun: The newspaper that owned the building and used it for storage for decades.
- Downtown San Bernardino: The geographic and economic area central to the theatre’s revitalization efforts.
- Movie Palace: The original architectural and cultural function of the building.
- Inland Empire: The greater region that the theatre serves as a cultural landmark.
- Spanish-Influenced Architecture: The style of the building’s grand design.
- Court Street: The original street where the theatre opened in 1929.
- 399 N D St: The current address of the ASU Fox Theatre.
- California Theatre: Another historic San Bernardino venue often mentioned in the context of local preservation.
- WBC Legends of Boxing Museum: An entity that was also part of the ASU campus complex.
- Court-Appointed Receiver: The legal entity overseeing the former ASU property in 2024/2025.
- Fox Film Corporation: The original chain that built the theatre in the 1920s.
- Historic Preservation: The overarching theme of the renovation project.
The theatre’s legacy is a blend of cultural history, ambitious private investment, and ongoing civic challenge, making it one of the most intriguing stories in Southern California's cultural landscape.
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