2024 Power of Preservation Merit Award Winner – St. Paul Tomorrow

The Virginia Main Street (VMS) program’s Power of Preservation merit award highlights a preserved historic landmark and the actions taken by a community to restore this property through stewardship and innovation, preserving the historic character of their downtown. The 2024 award went to St. Paul Tomorrow (SPT) for their commitment to preserving the Lyric Theater!

The Lyric Project was launched into action with a 2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Through a variety of grant funding sources, including the Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF), and an incredible fundraising campaign led by the community itself, SPT and other dedicated partners transformed the Lyric Theater into a dynamic venue to host conferences, film festivals, live music and more!

Originally a hub of cultural life, the Lyric Theater had fallen into disrepair over the years, losing its former glory and functionality. However, through strategic planning and perseverance, a preservation and rehabilitation initiative to save the Lyric Theater began and brought new life to the downtown district.

Today, the newly restored Lyric Theater stands as a shining example of successful preservation efforts. It has reclaimed its position as a cornerstone of downtown, offering a versatile space that accommodates a wide variety of activities. Brining experiences and entertainment to St. Paul, the Lyric Theater reopening its doors is a testament to the tenacity of the local Main Street program and the Town of St. Paul.

Beyond its immediate cultural impact, the Lyric Theater’s revitalization has catalyzed broader economic benefits for St. Paul. By revitalizing a historic landmark, the community has not only preserved its architectural character but also stimulated local business activity and tourism. St. Paul credits three additional restaurants opening downtown to the reopening of the theater and the need for pre-show dining. The theater plans to host over 40 events in 2024, bringing residents and tourists from across the country to enjoy outdoor recreation and spend money / time in the community.

“Here in St. Paul, in our community, we felt like this was a worthy project. It has always been on our radar since 2000 when we wrote the first strategic plan between the town and St. Paul Tomorrow to put this theater back in service. We’re proud of the work that we’ve done. It’s been a labor of love.”

– Kathy Stewart, Executive Director, St. Paul Tomorrow

The project highlights the profound impact that thoughtful preservation can have on a community’s identity. As St. Paul continues to evolve, the restored Lyric Theater stands as a testament to the power of preserving community heritage for generations to come.