City officials + members of the community unveiled the renovations — including the addition of four new spaces — to the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center this week.
“Since our arts center opened in 2002, the third floor has shown so much potential, but remained unfinished,” Mayor Linda Gorton said at a ribbon cutting on Wednesday. “Today, that potential is realized with wonderful reception and event spaces to support our community and arts organizations.”
The project cost $2.7 million, which was funded through an allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act.
Fun fact: Two of the rooms are named after the department stores that used to call that same section of East Main Street home. Can you guess which ones?
Let’s take a virtual tour of the new spaces:
- Embry Room | Named after the former downtown department store, this is a flexible event space located on the third floor that can seat up to 115 people.
- Lowenthal Room | Also named after a former downtown department store, this flexible space can host 230 people, or be combined with the Embry Room for 340 people.
- The Studio | This multi-use creative space features tables, stools, a smart TV, and industrial sink.
- Encore | Perfect for performances or large events, this first floor room (with direct access to Main Street) boasts beautiful exposed brick + enhanced lighting.
Timeline + fun facts
Formerly known as the Downtown Arts Center, the building opened in February 2002.
- 2014 | Lexington Parks & Recreation takes over management + programming.
- 2017 | The center gets a new name in honor of former mayor Pam Miller, who helped oversee the facility’s creation.
- 240 | That’s the average number of days of the space hosts porgramming.
- 3 | That’s how many art galleries are housed here — the City Gallery, Community Gallery, and Children & Youth Gallery.
You can find current art exhibits, performance schedules, and venue rental rates on the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center website.
