HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Fox Theatre is getting an energy-efficient upgrade thanks to a hometown partnership with Superior Boiler.
The Hutchinson-based manufacturer has donated a new Arrowhead firebox boiler and blowdown separator to replace the theatre’s 33-year-old Osage unit, also built by Superior Boiler. The installation ensures the continued comfort and operation of one of Hutchinson’s most iconic landmarks.
“We are honored to support the Hutchinson Fox Theatre with this boiler donation,” said Doug Wright, president and CEO of Superior Boiler. “The Fox Theatre is a cultural staple in our community, and we’re proud that our equipment has played a role in maintaining a comfortable environment for its visitors over the years. With this new boiler, the theatre will experience many more years of dependable service.”
The new Arrowhead model offers the same capacity and low-pressure steam design as the previous unit but in a smaller, more efficient package. It fits through a standard 36-inch doorway for easier installation and provides enhanced energy efficiency, translating to long-term savings for the theatre.
Superior Boiler’s contribution also includes a matching blowdown separator, which safely cools and depressurizes boiler water before disposal — a feature now required under updated local regulations. The separator improves both safety and equipment lifespan by removing impurities from the system.
This isn’t the first time Superior Boiler has stepped up to help the Fox. The company’s original Osage boiler was donated in the early 1990s as part of the venue’s decade-long restoration campaign — a gift that helped rally additional community support for the project.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from Superior Boiler,” said Josh Davies, executive and technical director at the Fox Theatre. “Their support ensures that we can continue to provide an exceptional experience for our guests while preserving the legacy of this beautiful venue.”
Opened in 1931, the Fox Theatre remains a centerpiece for arts and entertainment in downtown Hutchinson, welcoming about 40,000 patrons each year for concerts, films, and community events. The “State Movie Palace of Kansas,” listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places, continues to rely on steam heat as it has since its debut.
“As a company that has called Hutchinson home for many years, we take great pride in being part of this community and supporting its historic institutions,” said Matt Steele, Superior Boiler’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Hutchinson has been instrumental in our success. We are committed to giving back in meaningful ways, and we look forward to many more opportunities to support the city’s institutions.”