Abandoned Places - The Lyric Theater

[jjmaccrimmon]

Abandoned and empty for over 25 years, the Lyric (built in 1908 as a Vaudeville House) and it's adjacent office building are now in a state of arrested decay. The theater was purchased for preservation by a non-profit which owns the nearby and restored Alabama Theater. This summer, two assistants and I recieved permission to extensively photograph both theaters and the office tower adjacent to the Lyric. Using studio lights to illuminate the gloom, these are some samples.







Yes, the curtain does say "Asbestos"


This is color enhanced detail of the art above the stage





Many more photos will follow soon.

Comments

[leliel.livejournal.com]

Great shots! How majestic that must have looked in its heyday.

And this is here? I had no idea there was a second theatre near the Alabama!

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

Pretty amazing what little hidden gems Birmingham hides isn't it? It's absolutely incredible inside.

[shxtgun.livejournal.com]

so insanely jealous o.m.g.

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

Like I said earlier, I think a road trip may be the works (by both of us).

Thank you though :)

Re: Wow!

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

The restoration is going to be years int he making. The Lyric restoration was priced at 12.1 million in 2006. That's since risen. This one actually once had 1100 seats. It really is vast inside.

http://cinematreasures.org/theater/20211/

[ekatarina.livejournal.com]

Wow. Even in that state she is beautiful.

Katja

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

I have hope that it might yet be restored. Wait till you see what they did to it's (younger) sister theater - The Alabama Theatre.

[ekatarina.livejournal.com]

*Did* to her? I hope that's a good thing.

Katja, slightly concerned

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

Nothing to be concerned over. Take a look at www.alabamatheatre.org. The 1928 Paramont built theater was lovingly restored. My photos will show some of the care and detail attended to.

[happenings.livejournal.com]

What a (once) beautiful theater! Thanks so much for posting--I really enjoy photos like this. Glad to hear it's being restored

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the kind words sweet lady. This set is going to be months to post properly.

[ryokara.livejournal.com]

Oooooo these are great! If only they would restore that place. It could be the talk of the town, if they did.

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the kind words.

They've managed to arrest the decay. Funds are the biggest block to restoration. Preservation efforts are underway.

[ryokara.livejournal.com]

That's great! Where exactly is that place located? And, could I see it for myself?

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

The Lyric Theater is in downtown Birmingham. They offer tours of it and The Alabama Theatre twice each year; once in May and once in October.

[ryokara.livejournal.com]

Thank you for that information. I will have to look into going to see it in May then. ^_^

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

I found it through a friend in B'ham. The other thing you can do is check out the events calendar for the Alabama (www.alabamatheatre.org) and it should list the dates. It took long negociations and discussions before they let me in. Then they just let me roam.. everywhere.

[ryokara.livejournal.com]

Very nice. I will check it out. Thank you.

[beenabutterfly.livejournal.com]

Oh my goodness! This is the most awesome place, ever!! I love these pictures!!!

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

We spent 3 hours in the Lyric and the adjacent office tower. It's an experience I hope to repeat.

Thank you for the kind words.

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

It was an amazing trip and hopefully they'll let me shoot there again. These shots are just the beginning. I could be posting photos from this July trip for months.

[sabre0link.livejournal.com]

Vonderful, simply vonderful...

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

I am so very very happy that you joined me on this expedition. Assistant. fellow photog and and friend. :)