Lyric Theatre + Cultural Arts Center

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
Lexington, KY

The original theatre opened in 1948 and served as a cultural hub screening films and hosting musical entertainment at the primary intersect of the East End African-American Community. In the true sense of community, the facility welcomed any and all citizens who crossed its threshold and celebrated the best of African-American music in the 1950’s.

The Mayor’s Task Force conducted numerous community meetings with the architect involved to determine the types of programming needed to create a vibrant, thriving, economically sustainable facility. Based on these meetings, a facility was designed that respected the historic theatre while expanding with a 21st Century Addition.

This project included complete renovation of the historic theatre building with full systems replacement and a major new cultural arts addition. Designed to be a LEED-certified building with energy and environment being integral to design decisions, this project included:

ENERGY STAR® Design, Vegetated Roof on the New Lobby, Rainwater Catchment System, Recycled Content and Regional Materials, Natural Day Lighting and Views, Construction Waste Reduction.

The project earned LEED Gold certification and became LFUCG’s first LEED-certified building.

Architect | Susan Stokes Hill, AIA
Construction Cost $5.7 million
29,000 SF. Construction Completed 2010

Awards + Honors
2012 Brick in Architecture Gold Winner
2011 AIA Kentucky Honor Award
LEED Gold Certified