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By KAREN MIKOLS
Hays Daily News
As the one-year anniversary of the grand opening of the Fox Pavilion is celebrated this week, the theater has something else to celebrate: receiving the Governor's Award of Excellence on Main Street.
The facility was awarded for building renovation last week at the 2007 annual Kansas Main Street awards banquet.
"I love to brag about what happens in downtown Hays," Downtown Hays Development Coordinator Sabrina William said.
Dave Van Doren, manager for the rehabilitation of the Fox, said William applied for the award on behalf of the pavilion.
"We were surprised a few weeks ago to hear we were selected," Van Doren said. "I know there's a lot of other entries from all over the state. It's quite a big deal so there's lots of competition for these awards."
The city of Hays has competed the last two years, winning recognition for FrostFest as an outstanding promotion in 2006.
"On the state level, any time you can get an award, I think it encourages people to want to continue to do projects," William said. "So hopefully it brings about future projects."
Brooks Kellogg of Steamboat Springs, Colo., bought the building for $101,000 on March 28, 2006. The 1965 Fort Hays State University alumnus began working closely with Van Doren, a Hays entrepreneur, to revitalize the 1950 building and return it to a vibrant part of downtown Hays.
The 400-capacity facility at 1202 Main was renovated for more than $500,000. The facility was restored to its original one-theater configuration. A renovation in the early '80s split it into two separate movie theaters. Once the theater was purchased, crews immediately started ripping out the ceiling that divided the space, installed ground-level bathrooms and restoring the original murals and color scheme.
"I think it's recognition of a job well done," Van Doren said. "It's just another plus for downtown Hays."
The Fox continues to evolve, and recently welcomed Rick Patrick as the new manager.
Van Doren said Patrick will fill in the fall schedule, but the facility is booming with weddings booked every weekend.
William said the DHDC also entered Pioneer Photography for its remodel and Pioneer Day and the growth of its program.
"Any time we can get recognition at the state level, I think it not only promotes our district downtown but the community pride we have in Hays," William said.
Reporter Karen Mikols can be reached at (785) 628-1081, Ext. 143, or by e-mail at kmikols@dailynews.net.
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