FULLERTON

The historic Fox Theatre, once a bustling movie mecca where “Star Wars” premiered to North County residents more than 20 years ago, may be the venue where the next installment of the prequel is screened when it’s released in 2003.

Closed and vacant for 12 years, the local landmark will be reopened as this city’s version of Hollywood’s Egyptian Theater and Glendale’s Alex Theater.

Expected to cost about $4 million for rehabilitation, the proposal seeks a $2.75-million residual loan from the redevelopment agency. An exact cost for the entire proposal is not finalized; however, it was estimated at $16 million by Gary Chalupsky, the agency executive director.

The City Council, acting as the Redevelopment Agency, voted 4 to 1 Tuesday night to accept a proposal by two local businessmen who want to restore the deteriorating building and reopen it as a theater where patrons can dine while watching a flick.

“It’s a hard job and we know it, but we’re going to give it our best effort,” said Paul Berkman, whose proposal with partner Douglas Chaffee won the approval of the council. Both Fullerton residents now have the chance to breathe new life into the Fox, a move residents have been urging city officials to do to the vaudeville theatre for years.

The project also includes restaurants, coffeehouses and an ice cream parlor within a pedestrian courtyard. Another aspect of the proposal includes a 100-unit low-income senior housing complex atop a 300-car parking structure.