We Have New Space!

We are absolutely delighted to announce that the Lexington Writer's Room (LWR) has signed a lease agreement to move to the former Common Grounds Coffee Shop location at 343 East High Street, following the recent fire that devastated our location at the corner of Upper and Second Streets.

“We are so grateful to our local community and to the larger writing world for its support during this difficult time,” said co-founder and LWR Board Chair Lisa Haneberg. “We remain as committed as ever to our mission of supporting local writers with workspace, space for events, and a robust writing community. We are doubly thrilled to be able to move into such a beloved building—one where many of us have written in the past.”

The LWR is a nonprofit organization that exists to create an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive environment where local writers produce more work and expand their readership. To build a sustainable career, writers need a productive workspace, accountability partners, collaborators, professional connections, and support. The LWR subsidizes the cost of membership to keep it affordable, as well as providing additional support to underrepresented writers in financial need. It has received grant funding from the Kentucky Humanities and Kentucky Arts Councils, among others.

Founded at the beginning of the pandemic, the LWR has managed to thrive in the past year, going from 13 original member writers to 54 now, and developing close partnerships with the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning and its Kentucky Black Writers Collaborative.

The LWR also extends its thanks to all who have reached out with support and donations. So far, more than $12,000 has been raised to support the nonprofit’s recovery and move costs. The organization will be working diligently to replace the items lost in the fire and reopen in its new space in the coming months.

“It has been so heartening to see people step up with financial support for our mission,” said Gwenda Bond, co-founder and board member. “Our needs continue, so we invite everyone to keep spreading the word as we work toward moving into our new space. Kentucky has a special literary tradition and we plan to be part of it for a long time to come.”

THIS is the fire damage salvage process in action.

SERVPRO is removing items that they feel are potentially salvageable and will take them to a special warehouse where they will catalog and attempt to salvage each item. They have special equipment and processes that will sanitize, deodorize, and remove stains where possible. Their documentation is thorough so that our needs (and our insurance company's needs) are met. Fingers crossed that some of our stuff can be saved (it might be kind of weird if we end up with a lot of table legs, desk bases, and metal chairs with no seats - a possibility). Our six area rugs, twelve plush/comfortable chairs and two sofas are confirmed casualties, along with our books, monitors/desk lamps/other electronics, supplies, side tables, snacks/coffee/teas, most artwork, some plants, funky lockers (likely?), and appliances (microwave, fridge, coffee maker, kettle) . Once we know the fully list, we'll be sharing the items we'll need to replace and seek input on creative solutions! Personally (this is Lisa), I miss the gold/orange velvet chairs and green shag carpet because they made me smile. We will find replacements with the same super vibe, no doubt. And we look forward to working again with the amazing partners who helped us set up our space including The Standing Desk Company, The Domestic, Dizzy Age Vintage, University of Kentucky Surplus Property, Wicked Lumber Co, Starship Tea Company, Nate's Coffee, and Pieratt's Inc. Onward!

Responding to the Fire

On March 31st, a fire ravaged our building. Thankfully no one was in the building or hurt, but our Lexington Writer's Room suite sustained heavy water and smoke damage. The fire burned the structure's second floor and roof and the owners have confirmed that it will take many months to repair. We'll have to find and set up another space. We're saddened and in shock, but also resolved and ready to do what's needed to re-open. Here are a few pictures of what was once our beautiful space. We're seeking donations to help us respond to this unexpected challenge. Thank you.