Save the El Rey Nonprofit Acquires Historic Chico Theater
A nonprofit group has taken ownership of the century-old El Rey Theater and launched a $2 million restoration campaign.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The nonprofit organization Save the El Rey recently took possession of the historic El Rey Theater in Chico. The group now plans to launch a fundraising effort to secure nearly $2 million for necessary property renovations.
Why it matters
The acquisition marks a major step in preserving the century-old landmark that has served as a fixture in the local community. Restoration efforts aim to return the venue to its former glory and return it to public use.
The group intends to raise $2 million to fund critical repairs and the restoration of a vintage 35-millimeter projector. Current estimates cover the comprehensive scope of renovations required for the historic building.
The players
Save the El Rey
Save the El Rey is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the historic Chico venue.
The details
The theater requires a new roof, a modern HVAC system, and extensive mold remediation. Once critical structural repairs are finished, the organization will focus on restoring the facility's deteriorated fairy murals.
Timeline
The nonprofit group received the keys to the El Rey Theater on October 21, 2026.
The organization plans to reopen the theater in the fall of 2027.
Market Landscape
The project follows a pattern set by the nationwide trend of nonprofit-led historic theater restorations, as communities seek to reclaim local landmarks. This move signals a shift in the local property landscape by prioritizing heritage preservation over commercial redevelopment.
Residents can anticipate the return of a major local venue for arts and culture by late next year. The fundraising campaign will provide future opportunities for donors to contribute directly to the revitalization of the downtown Chico area.
The takeaway
Preserving historic venues requires balancing urgent structural safety needs with the restoration of delicate artistic features. Supporters looking to assist can focus on tracking the nonprofit's progress as it moves from infrastructure repairs to cosmetic renovations.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support community projects on the Philanthropy page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Action News Now.
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