Mirror Lake Lyceum opens as venue for big and small parties

By LENNIE BENNETT

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 19, 2000

Things have slowed on the party circuit in deference to holidays and spring breaks, so instead of reporting on where I have been, as I usually do, I will talk about a new place to which I anticipate going.

The Mirror Lake Lyceum opened recently as a party venue with a potential capacity of 800, depending on how the spaces are configured.

Once a church, the 1926 Mediterranean-revival building has been brought back to life by four partners who have done much of the work themselves.

The old-fashioned, academic name and the rather startling exterior mustard color belie an elegant interior with a ballroom, great hall, reception areas and smaller meeting rooms. It is similar, in some ways, to Palladium Theater, another old church that has been refitted as a performance hall, though Scott White, the Lyceum's general manager, dismisses the comparison.

"We are not a performing arts center," he said. "We don't have a sound system or lighting."

Instead, he and his partners hope to book social events and corporate gatherings.

The centerpiece room is the former sanctuary, a grand, two-story space with a soaring hippodrome ceiling and magnificent plaster work. It has no fixed seats on the first floor so it can be used either as an auditorium or set up for seated dinner-dances; the balcony has the original wood seats for up to 375 people. Adjacent to it is a ballroom done up in muted greens, with Austrian crystal chandeliers and hand-forged brass and alabaster fittings. Total capacity for a seated dinner would be about 550, White said.

The Lyceum, which is prequalified for the National Register of Historic Places, bears quirky details of its past such as the small meeting room labeled YPSCE, for Youth Pastor Sunday Church Education, said White. "It was the bad boys room," he said "where they were sent if they were unruly." Straight-backed benches still line the walls, a sure cure for Sunday morning fidgets, though White promises more comfortable seating for his clients.

For information about Mirror Lake Lyceum, 737 Third Ave. N, call 821-1926.

Also regarding future parties: organizers of next season's social events should send information about them for inclusion in the fifth annual On the Town social calendar to be published in early September. Needed are the name of the event and benefiting cause or organization, date, time, place, cost of ticket and contact name and phone number. Any interesting details would be nice. You may mail them to Lennie Bennett, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 or fax it to me at 893-8675.

The Science Center Guild has announced new officers: president, Joann Barger; president-elect, Lorraine Danna; vice president, Marcie Moore; recording secretary, Judy Cunniff; corresponding secretary, Jean Reid; treasurer, Hilary Knapper; and assistant treasurer, Jeanice Harring.

LOOKING AHEAD April 26

SALUTE TO PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANTS: St. Anthony's Hospital Auxiliary honors an outstanding office worker at a luncheon with speaker Dr. Robert Prescott. Noon. Sunset Ballroom, 600 Snell Isle Blvd NE. Employer and assistant, $60. Additional assistants, $32. 593-5551.

April 28

ORDER OF SALVADOR DINNER AND PARTY AFTER THE PARTY: Annual black-tie dinner in the galleries of the Salvador Dali Museum coincides with the opening of a show of paintings by James Rosenquist, who will attend the event. A first this year is a small selection of art for a silent auction. Michael's on East will cater. 6:30 p.m. At 9:30 p.m. the Zodiac Group hosts a dance with creative black tie as the dress code. $175 for both events; $50 for Zodiac party only. Patrons who contribute $1,000 are invited to a cocktail party on April 27 at the Brightwaters Boulevard home of Gerry and Cathy Hogan, where Rosenquist also will appear. 823-3767, ext. 3005.

May 4

NEW BEGINNINGS BREAKFAST: Resurrection House invites supporters to this annual fundraiser for the agency that provides residential housing, counseling and support for homeless families. 7:45 a.m. The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N. 323-5556.

May 5

ON AND OFF THE WALL: Light buffet and silent auction of work by local artists benefits the Arts Center. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 719 Central Ave. $25. 822-7872.

May 6

COUNTRY WESTERN HOEDOWN: The St. Petersburg Museum of History party features barbecue, dancing, a martini bar and a reprise of the Celebrity Washboard Band. 6:30 p.m. 335 Second Ave. NE. $50. 894-1052.

ABILITIES WINE-TASTING AND AUCTION: One of the area's biggest tastings, this year's offerings are vintages from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Italy, France, Australia and South Africa. Nibbles will be provided by 30 local restaurants including Salt Rock Grill, Redwoods, Grill at Feather Sound, Le Bordeaux, Ceviche, O'Gradney's Bistro, The Garden, Jillians, Haiku and Batter's Eye. Proceeds benefit Abilities of Florida, which trains people with disabilities for mainstream jobs. 7 p.m. Tropicana Field. $50 in advance, $60 at the door. 538-7370, ext. 345.

May 7

ASAP SUNDAY BRUNCH: Advocates for Shelter Action/Policy invites you to brunch at one of the most historic homes in the area, the waterfront mansion known as the Rutland Estate, 5060 Sunrise Drive S. With jazz and a fashion show. 11 a.m. $50. 823-5665.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.