iLEARN
A Musical Dream Come True
Coming Soon: The Paducah Symphony Orchestra Music Academy by Cassie Johnson
T
he Paducah Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has always been a champion of music education in western Kentucky. Although the Symphony Board has discussed the idea of a PSO Music Academy on many occasions, a suitable facility was not readily available. Now their dream is going to become a reality. With the help of an innovative developer, the Symphony is going to have its very own music academy by 2022! “In July 2019 the Mayor approached us about a developer who was interested in renovating the Jetton School,” explained PSO General Manager, Morgan Walker. “The Marian Group has previously done projects in the Louisville area and northern Kentucky. They specialize in mixed-used buildings and some of their projects have involved converting and re-purposing old school buildings. The PSO made sense as an ideal tenant to manage the auditorium and basement. The plans have evolved in this past year to the fully realized idea it has become. The PSO board has voted unanimously to proceed and are hoping to sign a formal agreement after the developers close on the property this fall. “The old Jetton School building was rezoned during a commission meeting on August 25 for the purpose of creating mixed use- residential units, office space and performance space,” said Pam Spencer, City of Paducah Public Relations Officer.
Building a Community
The Jetton School has already been partially converted to apartments and the proposed renovations will help to solidify it as a focal point for the community. The developers will renovate the existing units, add more housing, office and choir rehearsal space, as well as a specially designed performance hall that will seat 500 to 800. It is hoped that this creative space will become the home for working artists and others in the area. “The PSO won’t own the real estate,” explained Reece King, PSO Executive Director. “We will occupy it as a partner with The Marian Group at below market rate for
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Purchase Area Family Magazine
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2020 17
