The Fox Theatre Sign Restore

[Erik Sine]

Ilitch Holdings Lights “Restored” Historic Fox Theatre Tower Sign;

Symbolizes All that is Good in Detroit

DETROIT, Mich. – Symbolic of the tremendous redevelopment of downtown

Detroit and in celebration of all that is good in Detroit, Ilitch Holdings President and CEO

Christopher Ilitch joined with colleagues, neighbors, community leaders, preservationists

and the media to pull the switch to light the restored Fox Tower Sign atop the fabulous

historic Fox Theatre tonight. A “Fox Tower Sign Lighting Celebration” was held at Fifth

Avenue Downtown at Comerica Park.

“Tonight we are helping to bring another piece of Detroit’s history back to life,

while signaling to the world that Detroit is ready to shine again,” said Christopher Ilitch in

seeing the first lighting of the sign. “The Fox Theatre tower sign was a landmark in

Detroit in the mid-1900’s, standing atop the grand theatre in the “glory days” of Detroit.

Now that the glory days are returning, we thought it fitting to complete the final piece of

the restoration of this magnificent venue and send a signal to Detroiters and the world

that this is a proud community!”

“When we purchased the Fox Theatre in 1987 and restored it to its original

grandeur, we did not replace the tower sign, but it was always on a “to do” list for the

future,” Ilitch added. “Today, we can officially say the restoration is complete! The new

signage honors the past and also helps us look to the future!”

The new Fox Theatre tower signage is comprised of 18-foot high letters spelling

out F-O-X on all four sides of the rooftop tower that stands more than 230 feet above

grade level at Woodward Avenue. A 12-point star “crowns” the sign to signify the

thousands of stars who have played the Fox Theatre over the last 75 years. The

signage is comprised of digitally computer controlled, color changing L.E.D. (lightemitting

diode) tubes and can be programmed to perform over a million different color

and light variations.

“We looked at a variety of options,” explained John Buffone, lead architect for

Olympia Entertainment and project manager. “We not only wanted to restore the sign,

we wanted to enhance it and really make it more than just a sign – we wanted to help

transform Detroit’s skyline, build our brand, and excite imagination.”

The sign will be able to reflect changing seasons, holidays and special events.

“Initially you will see the sign programmed to demonstrate its infinite capabilities – the

opportunities are limitless,” explained Buffone. “We will eventually move to more

thematic programming to tie into holidays, celebrations, and events at the Fox Theatre

and in Detroit. The sign will perform a series of “vignettes” that will utilize a combination

of lighting techniques – from twinkles and sparkles to rainbows and spirals – and will

actually be a show of sorts unto itself.”

“We’re certain that this new sign will become a part of the fabric of this city once

again and will be something that will make Detroiters proud,” said Ilitch. “Celebrating our

rich history and our bright future is important. People entering Detroit from all corners

will see this sign and we hope they will sense the pride we have in our hometown!”

Installation and restoration of the Fox Theatre tower sign project follows the $2

million, two year restoration of the Fox’s terra-cotta façade. In total, the Ilitch Holdings’

family of companies and the Ilitch Family have invested more than $350 million in Detroit

over the last three decades. From the Fox Theatre to Comerica Park, to the

refurbishment of Hockeytown Café and The City Theatre, to the recently-announced

redevelopment of The Detroit Life Building, the Ilitch Family has shown endless

commitment to their hometown.

Ilitch Holdings’ primary business interests include – Little Caesars Pizza, the

Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, Blue

Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, MotorCity Casino, Uptown

Entertainment, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, and a variety of venues

within these entities. The holding company’s 2005 total combined revenues exceeded