Noble Credit Union, Warnors Theatre Partnership Fuels Fresno Preservation Efforts

As Fresno’s historic Warnors Theatre approaches its 100th anniversary, a partnership between Noble Credit Union and the Warnors Center for the Performing Arts is helping preserve one of downtown’s most recognizable landmarks while introducing it to a new generation of residents.

The organizations have partnered on preservation efforts at the nearly century-old venue, culminating in a May 30 event featuring a private tour and a live organ performance.

The collaboration is part of Noble Credit Union’s 85th anniversary celebration and reflects a broader effort to support community institutions, according to Mariah Walton, vice president of marketing at Noble Credit Union.

“We chose them specifically because they’re an iconic institution and venue in Fresno and they’re a non-profit organization and they do a lot of good for the community,” Walton said. “When you bring in and you support the arts, you’re supporting a diverse community that is able to have access to a lot different types of entertainment and it’s something that we really believe in.”

The credit union recently organized a volunteer day at the theatre, drawing more than 100 participants, including about 75 Noble members who joined employees in cleaning and restoring portions of the building.

Volunteers cleaned seats, removed gum from floors, and worked on improvements to the area surrounding the ticket booth.

Warnors Center Executive Director Touched by Community Support

For Nicole Owen, executive director of the Warnors Center for the Performing Arts, the turnout demonstrated the theatre’s importance to the community.

“Knowing that they’re willing to take that time out to come down to Warnors Theatre and do some work there because they found it important and meaningful, that just is so validating and it really does show how valuable something like this in our community is,” Owen said.

Built in 1928, the Warnors has long been a cultural landmark.  Owen said many visitors return with memories of past performances, while first-time visitors are often surprised by the venue’s scale and architecture.

“I have never seen somebody walk into Warnors Theatre for the first time and go, it’s OK,” Owen said. “It’s always the same reaction. They go, ‘How did I not know this was here? How do we have this right here in Fresno?’”

Warnors Increases Activity

The nonprofit managing the theatre has increased activity at the venue significantly over the past year. Owen said programming across the theater’s three venues has increased by 500% since 2024.

Owen described the theatre as a “cultural hub” and said the organization hopes to engage more young people through school performances, graduations, and arts programming.

While ticket-related revenue helps support operations, Owen said historic theatres typically rely heavily on grants, memberships, and donations to remain viable. She credited Fresno’s Measure P funding with helping sustain operations.

Noble Credit Union Urges Community Business Involvement

Walton said Noble’s involvement goes beyond financial support and reflects the credit union’s focus on community engagement.

“There was no other motivation other than being completely altruistic and supporting the community that we have,” Walton said. “If more organizations and businesses don’t start taking positions to support these types of venues, we’re gonna lose a big part of who Fresno is.”

The partnership also generated additional support for the theatre. Owen said Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias pledged funding to replace broken glass in the theatre’s ticket booth after attending the volunteer event.

As Warnors approaches its centennial in 2028, both organizations say continued community involvement will be critical to preserving the theatre for future generations.

“I want the community to see this as a community asset and to take some ownership in it,” Owen said. “What I really want is community buy-in.”

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email. 

The post Noble Credit Union, Warnors Theatre Partnership Fuels Fresno Preservation Efforts appeared first on GV Wire.