PREPARING AREA YOUTH TO BE THE GREATEST IN THE ARTS ARENA WITH A NEW THEATER ALONG THE MUHAMMAD ALI ARTS, CULTURE AND INNOVATION DISTRICT

LCCC RAISES ROOF FOR GRAND LYRIC THEATER   

Louisville Central Community Centers, the developer of the Muhammad Ali Boulevard Arts, Culture and Innovation District, is constructing a performing arts facility to support its Kids Art Academy and the continued development of the district at its’ Old Walnut Street Development at 1300 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

On Friday, February 15, 2019 at 10:00 am there will be a roof raising ceremony with key stakeholders in the community, LCCC and advocators to bring Muhammad Ali Blvd back to life will be in attendance to lend their support.  Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith, an arts enthusiast, former Councilman David Tandy, Fund for the Arts’ CEO, Christen Boone, and representatives of the Norton Foundation and the Gheens Foundation all have confirmed their participation in the ceremony.  Representatives of the LCCC Kids Art Academy, the Tiny Tykes Theater Troupe and the Youth Repertory Theater Troupe of Louisville will perform to celebrate this achievement.

During the era between 1940-60’s, there was a theatre that was considered the hub where artists showcased their talents, which many went on to become professional entertainers performing alongside entertainment legends like Helen Hune, the jazz and blues singer with Count Basie’s band.  So, in 2019 we will revitalize the name The Grand Theater and Lyric Theater on historic Old Walnut Street in Louisville, KY in hopes of bringing life back into the arts and the community with a rich history in arts and entertainment.

The 300-seat Grand Lyric Theater will be home to LCCC’s Kids Art Academy (KAA), a youth arts education program with a focus on all facets of performing arts for over three decades.  KAA currently serves hundreds of school-age youth annually and has produced theater troupe sell-out productions of “Broadway-quality” musicals as “Beauty and The Beast”, “Black Nativity”, “A Christmas Carol”, “Once On This Island” and the nationally acclaimed show, “The Wiz.”. This state-of-the art facility will also serve as another venue for community groups to use for training, rehearsals and performances.

National experts from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) of Washington, DC endorsed LCCC’s economic revitalization vision by recommending to our community that Muhammad Ali Blvd. between 6^th to 21^st Streets be transformed into a cultural arts commercial district to help create a vibrant corridor that supports economic development and job creation west of Ninth Street.  This plan aligns itself with what used to be the historic Walnut Street (now known as Muhammad Ali Blvd.) between 6^th to 15^th Streets, an area once the commercial heart of the black community that contained thriving businesses, professional offices, restaurants and entertainment venues prior to the razing of the commercial district by an urban renewal plan in the 1960s. This plan has been included with support of Louisville Metro and Louisville Metro Housing Authority as an important part of the transformation of Russell.

Partial funding has been provided by U. S. Housing & Urban Development through its community development block grant to the city of Louisville and a number of private sources.  To complete the theater, additional sponsorship and naming opportunities are available to support:

• lighting, sound and recording systems – $265,000
• main stage, staging area and loading dock area – $140,000
• rehearsal, restrooms and dressing rooms – $270,000
• lobby, vestibule and restrooms – $250,000
• seating, coat check and storage – $280,000

To setup an interview to discuss the Grand Lyric Theater and/or to setup a tour after the roof raising contact VIPP Communications at booking@vippcommunications.com.  We will see you on Friday, February 15^th for the ceremony.  Please arrive at least 15 minutes in advance so you can be in position to get everything you need for your stories.

 Louisville Central Community Centers Inc. is celebrating its 70th year of service to residents of the Russell neighborhood and west Louisville community.  As an anchor institution, LCCC provides an array of services including early childhood education, youth development, workforce development training, small business and neighborhood development activities.