Fresno's Tower Theatre To Be Sold To A Church

The iconic Tower Theatre is in the process of being sold to a church.

The City of Fresno confirmed the impending sale on Monday, January 4.

Adventure Church has recently moved to purchase the namesake of Fresno's Tower District on Wishon and Olive.

The church had been hosting its Sunday services at the historic theatre, according to ABC30.

Due to zoning laws, Councilmember Esmeralda Soria said that Adventure Church will have to go through more legal action before it can operate as a full-time church in the building.

Many community members have taken to social media to express their concerns about losing the Tower Theatre as a performing arts venue.

The theatre first opened in 1939 and was Fresno's first suburban cinema. It is noted for being one of the first suburban theater designs that S. Charles Lee created to show the film industry a new look in commercial movie theaters.

In 1992, the theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

By hosting community events and big-name headliners like Bon Iver, Eddie Money, and Adam Ant, the Tower Theatre was in large part responsible for the boom of eclectic restaurants and clubs that revitalized Fresno's Tower District.

Photo: Tower Theatre