Plus, Joe Bologna's has been sold.
 
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6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

92º | 7% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:15 a.m. | Sunset 9:04 p.m.
 

🎬 Lights, camera, action

Meet LEX Studios, Kentucky’s newest and largest TV + film production studios
An exterior shot of a big gray stone building with lots of windows that says LEX Studios
LEX Studios has taken over the former Woodhill Cinemas building. | Photo courtesy of LEX Studios
The former Woodhill Cinema is now a new production studio — can you name a more serendipitous evolution? But the space is not your average blank canvas. LEX Studios is actually the largest TV + film production studio in the state.

About the space

Located at 425 Codell Dr., it took Owner Misdee Wrigley Miller four years to transform the long-vacant movie theater into a production studio.

“LEX Studios not only offers the technical infrastructure necessary for high-caliber productions, but also grants access to Kentucky’s rich variety of filming locations. From urban settings to natural landscapes, the region provides an array of visually striking backdrops that can elevate any production,” said Wrigley Miller.

A cameraman with a tight shot of bottles surrounded by other production people in a room with blue lights.

LEX Studios aims to cater to all size projects, including small-scale productions like live streaming + corporate videos. | Photo provided by LEX Studios

In addition to the physical space, LEX Studios will also be able provide production + post-production services through its sister company Wrigley Media, also founded + owned by Wrigley Miller.

The building features:
  • 50,000+ sqft of production space
  • Three separate soundstages
  • Green rooms
  • Numerous office spaces
  • Dining areas for 150+
  • Parking for 100+

Goals + incentives

Tim Sabo, a 25-year production veteran, will lead LEX Studios as Studio Manager and Producer.

“We have the goal to become renowned as the go-to production facility for US production outside of the four major production hubs: Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Chicago,” said Sabo.

Wrigley Miller added that expanding the entertainment workforce in Kentucky could help boost the economy (think: tourism and business for hotels + restaurants) and “transform the entertainment industry on a national level.”

“Thanks to the Kentucky tax incentive, which is the most robust in the country, we are poised to bring much more film and television production to the state,” Wrigley Miller said.

Before we roll the credits, see some of the movies that have been filmed in our region.
Asked

How long did it take to build LEX Studios?
A. 4 months
B. 12 months
C. 2 years
D. 4 years
Pop quiz time
 
Events
Friday, June 21
  • Tent Sale Event | Friday, June 21-Sunday, June 23 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Poppy & Pomelo + Black Market, 526 E. High St, Lexington | Free, price of purchase | Head to these Woodland Triangle shops for discounts, giveaways, food trucks, guest artists, hands-on activities + more.
  • Motion City Soundtrack | Friday, June 21 | The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd., Lexington | $42+ | Everything is alright because you’ll get to relive the early 2000s with the sounds of this alternative indie band with support from Prince Daddy & The Hyena and Gully Boys.
Saturday, June 22
  • Vineyard Tour & Tasting | Saturday, June 22 | 3-4 p.m. | Harkness Edwards Vineyards, 5199 Combs Ferry Rd., Winchester | $35 | Take a guided tour through the picturesque vineyard followed by a curated tasting of its wine varietals.
  • Night of the Stars | Saturday, June 22 | 6-10 p.m. | Fasig-Tipton, 2400 Newtown Pike, Lexington | $150 | Give your regards to Broadway with live music, a silent auction, dinner, and riding demonstrations, all while supporting nonprofit Central Kentucky Riding for Hope.
Sunday, June 23
  • Sunrise Sound Bath | Sunday, June 23 | 6:30-8 a.m. | The Sound Healing Center of Lexington, 333 E. Short St., Ste. 320, Lexington | $25 | Let the serenity of soothing sounds + positive energy envelope you while the sun rises.
  • Butterfly ID Walk | Sunday, June 23 | 1-3 p.m. | Hisle Farm Park, 3551 Briar Hill Rd., Lexington | Free | Wrap up Pollinator Week by taking a leisurely stroll + keeping an eye out for the beautiful butterflies — donations are appreciated.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Environment

🐝 The local initiative worth buzzing about
a field of flowers showing columbia gas' vegetation management program
President and COO Kimra Cole says this program reflects the longstanding commitment of Columbia Gas and NiSource to environmental stewardship. | Photo provided by Columbia Gas
It’s National Pollinator Week, Lexington. Have you heard the buzz about Columbia Gas’ wildlife-friendly vegetation management practices?

Working to transform pipeline rights-of-way into a pollinator paradise for bees, birds + butterflies, Columbia Gas maintains seven sites (including four Monarch Waystations) across Central Kentucky.

Sites are converted by removing existing vegetation + planting specialized seeds to grow pollinator-friendly plants like purple coneflower, spotted bee balm, and coreopsis.

This program — growing annually — helps reduce the carbon footprint + mitigate harmful vegetation control measures.
This effort is un-bee-lievable
News Notes
Biz
  • It’s official, Joe Bologna’s has been sold. Brandon Thurman, who recently opened High Proof Hideaway on Short Street, will take over as owner of the beloved pizza spot in the new year. Until his last day on December 31, Bologna himself will train Thurman on how to run the restaurant. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Watch
  • Through next Thursday, June 27, the Kentucky Theatre is showing “Ghostlight,” a film co-directed by Lexingtonian Alex Thompson. The film follows a melancholic man who finds community + purpose by participating in his local theater’s production. It debuts today at 1 p.m.
Cause
  • Now through Friday, August 16, Saint Joseph Hospital invites local nonprofits to apply for its community health improvement grants. Priority will be given to organizations that address mental health, substance use disorders, and physical activity + nutrition. Recipients will be announced in December.
Active
  • Fit & Fierce Studio is hosting a free workout tomorrow, June 22 + Saturday, June 29 at 9 a.m. The boot camp-style class will take place on The Green at Summit at the Fritz Farm. Stop by Fabletics after the workout to shop the special sale. Secure your spot.
Outdoors
  • If you’re looking for a fun way to cool off, consider hitting the water by boat. Thanks to Lexington Parks & Recreation, you can rent out two-person kayaks + two- to four-person pedal boats for the lake at Jacobson Park. Prices start at $6 for 30 minutes.
Drink
  • Happy Birthday, Void Sake. This weekend, the local sake brewery + bar is celebrating three years in business. Stop by for anticipated special flavor releases — like peaches and cream — vendor pop-ups, and a drag brunch.
Finance
  • Talking about money can be scary — but it doesn’t have to be. Women of all ages and stages of life are invited to Gratz Park Private Wealth’s next Women’s Worth Alliance networking event on Thursday, June 27. Connect, network + hear from a unique storytell"her.” RSVP via email to kaylee@gratzparkpw.com.*
Home
  • Renewal by Andersen® windows combine stunning beauty with energy-efficient design. Buy one, get one 40% off + get $200 off your order for a limited time.*
 
Active

Takin’ it to the streets

Hit the pavement at these upcoming races in and around Lexington
Men and women running a race
Runners at last year’s Pride Run. | Photo by Kathryn Decker
One of our favorite summer traditions here at LEXtoday is the Bluegrass 10,000. There’s nothing more thrilling than seeing the community come out to cheer on all the runners braving the sunny streets before the Fourth of July parade and festivities.

And while we’re still 13 days away — not that we’re counting — there’s still plenty of opportunities to pound some pavement with your fellow runners.

Here’s a peek at six races coming up on the calendar in and around Lexington.
Looking for a new running group? Click the button below to see some local options.
Running is better together
The Buy

The Buy 6.21.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Our Place’s take on a pressure + slow cooker. The Dream Cooker has the brand’s signature modern finish with multi-cooking capabilities. If you’re looking for a kitchen appliance that also has countertop appeal, this is it.
 
The Wrap
 
Molly Thompson in a black shirt

Today’s edition by:
Molly
From the editor
Happy International Day of Yoga, y’all. To celebrate, Creative Yoga is hosting a free sun salutations class today at 12 p.m. See what some of the other studios are doing in our yoga guide. Fun fact: This year marks 10 years of me teaching yoga — cue the tears.
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