POWERGRAMS

32 One of our oldest neighborsecently had an extensive facelift andebirth, and Alabama Power couldn't be happier. We celebrate not only theeopening of this great Birmingham landmark, but her impressive history as well. Early 1980s – Theatre closes again. 1964 – The Women's Committee of 100 studies renovating the Lyric and begins fundraising. The Lyric Civic Association is incorporated and architect Clinton Bush hired. Bush advises the need for repairs is too great and the project does not materialize. Early 1970s – North Jefferson News editor Dee Sloan and X-ray technician Robert Whorton acquire the theatre to show pre-1940s movies. It is renamed the Grand Bijou Motion Picture Theatre with a screening of "The Jazz Singer" on April 19, 1973. 1975 – The Lyric's twin fire escapes on 18th Street North are populated by bodybuilders posing for the final scene of "Stay Hungry" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Late 1970s – The Grand Bijou Motion Picture Theater closes and is reopened as the Foxy Adult Cinema and later the Roxy Adult Cinema. 1993 – Waters family sells the building for $10 to Birmingham Landmarks, a nonprofit organization. 2014 – A total of $8.1 million is raised by Alabama Power and other companies, foundations, city, state and federal governments and people in the community. Early 2000s – Architecture firm Westlake Reed Leskosky creates a master plan for restoration. 2009 – Fundraising begins with the "Light Up the Lyric" campaign. 2013 – Renovations begin, led by Stewart Perry Construction. Exterior sign is lighted for first time in 50 years, attracting 3,000 people to watch the relighting. Jan. 14, 2016 – Grand reopening of the restored Lyric Theatre, 102 years to the day after its first opening.

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