History
The Lyric Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama is a 1914 Vaudeville Theatre. It opened as the premier entertainment venue in Birmingham during the years 1914-1926. It featured famous acts such as the Marx Brothers, Will Rodgers and Mae West. Once named the "King of Vaudeville" in Birmingham, the Lyric is today the oldest surviving theater in a city that at one time had over sixty theatres, opera houses, nickelodeons and silent movie houses.
Currently, the Lyric has been vacant for over 50 years and as a result has suffered water damage from a leaking roof. Although the building is structurally sound, the missing cornice and building cap as well as the discolored brick reveal years of neglect. The building has withstood many years and changes in the downtown community to become a lasting testament to Birmingham architecture and to Vaudeville theatre. As the oldest theatre in Birmingham, the Lyric’s stage may be empty and the lights dimmed, but it stands ready to bring its magic to another generation.
The proposed Lyric Theatre restoration Project respresents an enhancement of the economic benefit to downtown Birmingham from an added cultural attraction. The Lyric is unique in that it was designed for and used for live performances. It represents the best of historic design where the aesthetics aimed to highlight great acoustics to enhance the live presentation. The combined theatre complex is drawing not only business to the community but also contributing attraction of new residents to the community. The demand for loft apartments in the downtown area is increasing, and the theatre complex only serves to increase the attractiveness of living downtown. The proposed Lyric Theatre Project Respresents a significant opportunity for the city of Birmingham.
History
The Lyric Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama is a 1914 Vaudeville Theatre. It opened as the premier entertainment venue in Birmingham during the years 1914-1926. It featured famous acts such as the Marx Brothers, Will Rodgers and Mae West. Once named the "King of Vaudeville" in Birmingham, the Lyric is today the oldest surviving theater in a city that at one time had over sixty theatres, opera houses, nickelodeons and silent movie houses.
Currently, the Lyric has been vacant for over 50 years and as a result has suffered water damage from a leaking roof. Although the building is structurally sound, the missing cornice and building cap as well as the discolored brick reveal years of neglect. The building has withstood many years and changes in the downtown community to become a lasting testament to Birmingham architecture and to Vaudeville theatre. As the oldest theatre in Birmingham, the Lyric’s stage may be empty and the lights dimmed, but it stands ready to bring its magic to another generation.
The proposed Lyric Theatre restoration Project respresents an enhancement of the economic benefit to downtown Birmingham from an added cultural attraction. The Lyric is unique in that it was designed for and used for live performances. It represents the best of historic design where the aesthetics aimed to highlight great acoustics to enhance the live presentation. The combined theatre complex is drawing not only business to the community but also contributing attraction of new residents to the community. The demand for loft apartments in the downtown area is increasing, and the theatre complex only serves to increase the attractiveness of living downtown. The proposed Lyric Theatre Project Respresents a significant opportunity for the city of Birmingham.