A vision for the future
A local nonprofit organization, Louisville Central Community Center (LCCC), has announced its plans to build a new technology center in the west Louisville area. The center, which will be called the Grand Lyric Tech Center, will offer various programs and services to help residents develop skills and opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
The president of LCCC, Kevin Fields, said that the tech center is part of his vision to create generational wealth and economic empowerment for the historically marginalized and underserved communities in west Louisville. He said that the tech center will provide access to resources, mentors, training and networks that can help people achieve their goals and dreams.
“We want to be a catalyst for change and transformation in this community,” Fields said. “We want to inspire the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders who can use technology to solve problems and create value.”
A hub for innovation and collaboration
The Grand Lyric Tech Center will be located at the Old Walnut Street Plaza, a mixed-use development that also houses the LCCC headquarters and other businesses and organizations. The tech center will occupy a 10,000-square-foot space that was formerly a movie theater. Fields said that the tech center will feature state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, such as:
- A maker space with tools and materials for prototyping and fabrication
- A digital media lab with computers, software and hardware for audiovisual production
- A coding academy with courses and workshops on various programming languages and platforms
- A gaming lounge with consoles, VR headsets and other gaming devices
- A cyber cafe with high-speed internet access and a coffee bar
- A co-working space with desks, meeting rooms and office amenities
- A STEAM gallery with exhibits and displays showcasing the work of local artists and innovators
Fields said that the tech center will also host events and activities, such as hackathons, pitch competitions, guest speakers, networking sessions and career fairs. He said that the tech center will partner with local schools, colleges, universities, businesses and organizations to provide opportunities for learning, collaboration and mentorship.
“We want to create a hub for innovation and collaboration in west Louisville,” Fields said. “We want to connect our community with the broader ecosystem of technology and entrepreneurship in Louisville and beyond.”
A legacy of excellence
Fields said that the tech center is named after the Grand Lyric Theatre, a historic landmark that was once located at the same site as the Old Walnut Street Plaza. The Grand Lyric Theatre was a cultural icon in west Louisville, hosting performances by legendary artists such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
Fields said that the tech center aims to honor the legacy of excellence and creativity that the Grand Lyric Theatre represented. He said that the tech center will also celebrate the diversity and richness of west Louisville’s culture and history.
“We want to pay tribute to the Grand Lyric Theatre and its impact on our community,” Fields said. “We want to showcase the talent and potential that exists in west Louisville. We want to empower our community to use technology as a tool for expression, empowerment and social change.”
Fields said that the tech center is expected to open in late 2023 or early 2024. He said that he is currently raising funds and seeking sponsors for the project. He said that he hopes that the tech center will attract support from individuals, businesses and organizations who share his vision for west Louisville.
“We are inviting everyone who cares about this community to join us in this endeavor,” Fields said. “We believe that this tech center can make a difference in the lives of many people. We believe that this tech center can help us create generational wealth for west Louisville.”
