Originally built in 1929, the Fox Theatre became home to the San Diego Symphony in 1984 and was renamed the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center in 2013. The nearly century-old hall has been transformed into a modern performance venue while preserving its historic character.

Led by HGA with Akustiks and Schuler Shook, the $125 million renovation reimagines the Jacobs Music Center as a world-class concert hall, enhancing both acoustics and audience experience while honoring its legacy as the former Fox Theatre. The venue reopened with an inaugural concert on September 28, 2024.

Spanning 70,545 square feet, the project includes upgraded performance, backstage, and public spaces. The redesigned audience chamber now seats 1,831, with the addition of a choral terrace that supports large-scale performances or additional seating.

Key improvements include a comprehensive acoustic overhaul, reconfigured stage and seating, new finishes, advanced production technology, expanded musician support spaces, and upgraded building systems. Historic features were carefully preserved throughout.