Plans for a new Jenny Wiley theatre in Pikeville have been finalized.

The building committee met Thursday, September 13th, with an architectural firm from New York, to finish design plans.

A unanimous vote put months of planning into motion.

“It was the final thumbs up of looking at the material, looking at the design, and then hearing the words that one of the bids will be presented by the 15th of this month, and we're ready to move forward,” said Pikeville City Manager, Donovan Blackburn.

The meeting showed that not only will the building come in $2,500 under budget, but it is expected to be finished ahead of time in December of next year.

Board members were ready to get started.

“We're looking for year round productions, and we needed an indoor facility we've been outdoors for 48 years and we'll continue to be outdoors at the Jenny Wiley amphitheater,” said board treasurer Bill Francis.

The new theatre will be built on 2nd Street in Pikeville.

Officials said the new theatre will be a new opportunity for art and culture but also a chance for year round profits.

“This will allow us to generate income during the year so we can have educational processes,” said Francis.

The board expected construction to start at the end of January and end in December of 2013.