'Phantom' to stay in Fox Theatre apartment

[June 22, 2011]  ATLANTA, Ga. (AP) -- Lawyers say a settlement has been reached to allow Joe Patten, known as the "Phantom of the Fox," to live out the rest of his days in his Fox Theatre apartment.

When the Fox in Atlanta was threatened with demolition in the 1970s, Patten led efforts to save it.

The 83-year-old has lived in the apartment beneath the historic theater's dome since 1979, when he signed a lifelong lease.

Last year, trustees of the nonprofit Atlanta Landmarks, which runs the Fox, voted to terminate the lease and Patten's lawyer sued to stop it.

A statement from both sides Tuesday said Patten can continue to live in the apartment under terms of the confidential agreement.

When his ouster became known, many around Atlanta rallied and caused bad publicity for the Fox.

[Associated Press]

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