Full Breakdown
Lexington Opera House Marks 140 Years After Community-Led Rescue
5/14/2026, 12:48:59 PM
Saving the Lexington Opera House: Community Action
In the early 1970s the Lexington Opera House, a theater opened in 1887, was condemned by the fire marshal and slated for demolition. Local resident Linda Carey, then serving on the Lexington Center Corporation board, organized a citizen coalition, secured municipal backing, and arranged the purchase of the property. Shortly after acquisition the roof collapsed, prompting a full reconstruction that cost $4 million and culminated in a reopening on May 7, 1976.
Historical Significance and Decline
The opera house hosted operas, plays, and performances by figures such as Fred Astaire, Will Rogers, and Booker T. Washington. By the 1970s it had become a low-budget movie house with boarded-up boxes, pigeon-infested upper levels, and deteriorating plaster, leading to the 1973 condemnation notice that triggered the rescue effort.
Timeline of Preservation
- 1887 – Opera House opens.
- 1973 – Fire marshal issues condemnation; high winds damage roof.
- Oct 1974 – Roof collapses; reconstruction begins.
- 1975 – Lexington Center Corp. purchases the building; fundraising intensifies.
- May 7 1976 – Reopening with Lexington Philharmonic and Lexington Singers.
Key Figures
Linda Carey led the campaign, recruiting philanthropist William T. Young and securing board support from Jim Host, who later praised the theater’s acoustics. Volunteer Sonia Ross contributed two years of unpaid plaster work. Sheila Kenny, former marketing director, documented the community effort, while Luanne Franklin later described Carey as the “angel of the Opera House.”
Restoration Data
The reconstruction cost $4 million; the venue celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2026 and the 50th anniversary of the 1976 reopening.
Official Statements
The Lexington Opera House Fund reports that its endowment finances touring Broadway productions, subsidizes local arts groups, and funds ongoing building improvements. The Fund’s leadership emphasizes a mission to sustain artistic creativity in the community.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Volunteer Sonia Ross recalled hauling a 250-pound garbage can, while Linda Carey described the interior in 1973 as “just awful,” noting boarded-up boxes and pigeon-filled spaces.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What’s special about it is the most acoustical perfect theater in the country besides the Ford Theater,” — Jim Host, Board Member
- “It is restored in the original format that caused great Broadway people to come here and use.” — Jim Host, Board Member
- “My garbage man hated me because my garbage can weigh about 250 pounds,” — Sonia Ross, Volunteer
- “They looked at me like I was crazy,” — Linda Carey, Preservation Leader
- “It was really a community effort, but were it not for Linda and her vision and ability to rally people ... it might never have happened,” — Sheila Kenny, Former Marketing Director
Upcoming Bravoh! Celebration
The 2026 anniversary week opens with a Bernadette Peters performance, continues with a Local Arts Spotlight on Wednesday, and concludes on Friday with a Symphony of Sound concert featuring the Lexington Philharmonic, Lexington Singers, and guest artist Tessa Lark.
