Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center

Photos provided by Gary McCauley.

The Lyric Theatre was originally built in 1948. Between 1948 and until 1963 it was a thriving entertainment centerpiece for Lexington’s African-American families. Originally built as a movie theatre, it became host to numerous jazz musicians in the 1950’s such as Count Basie, Ray Charles, and B.B. King. The original theatre was renovated in 2010 with the addition of a cultural arts center.  This facility received LEED Gold certification and is the first LEED building for the City.

The HVAC systems for this facility consist mainly of a variable refrigerant volume (VRV) system. Humidity control systems are provided for museum spaces. An independent make-up air unit provides tempered fresh air to the building while an independent air conditioning unit serves the theatre proper.  The plumbing systems incorporate low water flow plumbing fixtures and a solar water heater.  The electrical systems consist of a lighting control system, state-of-the-art theatrical dimming and sound system, use of LED lighting, and flexible lighting systems in museum spaces.