Using photomontages to envision urban and suburban revitalization. (page 2 of 3)

The Fox Theater, in downtown Oakland, California, is the largest theater west of the Mississippi River. It thrived until the 1950s because of its downtown location near the hub of several East Bay trolley lines. It closed after transit ridership declined and suburban theaters drew away patrons. In disuse for several decades, the roof now leaks and the beautiful interior ornamentation and hardwood floors are deteriorating.

Steve Price produced a computer image for mayoral candidate Edward Blakely, whose platform included making the Fox Theater an anchor for a new downtown arts district. The photomontage helped build momentum in the community to save the theater. The city is actively looking for a developer who will renovate it as part of a plan to bring 10,000 people to live in Oakland's downtown.

After Steve Price created the initial image, the local transit agency asked for further alterations that would turn the street in front of the theater into a state-of-the-art transit corridor. The buses in this image are electric, they run on dedicated bus lanes providing light-rail-grade service, and bus stops serve as transit "mini-stations" where patrons can buy tickets and view up-to-the-minute transit information.

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