by Laura Garrett
In downtown Columbus, few buildings carry as much history or future potential as the Crump Theatre. Identified in the Downtown 2030 Plan as Action Project AP-07, the effort to rehabilitate the historic theater into a flexible entertainment venue continues to gain momentum through active design work, fundraising, and community engagement.
Originally opened in 1889, the Crump is believed to be Indiana’s oldest remaining theater. For generations, it served as a gathering place for performances, films, celebrations, and civic events. Today, local leaders and volunteers are working to ensure the building once again becomes a vibrant centerpiece of downtown activity.
That vision is taking shape through Project Encore, the initiative led by the nonprofit Crump Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) in collaboration with Heritage Fund, the community foundation of Bartholomew County. The project will restore the historic theater while introducing a modern expansion designed to support a wider variety of performances and events. Current plans envision a 750-1000 capacity (pending event configuration) venue capable of hosting concerts, theater productions, film screenings, lectures, and community events.
Recent months have focused on schematic design and project planning. Indianapolis-based architecture firm DKGR was selected through a competitive RFQ process to lead the design effort. Their work has included stakeholder meetings, programming discussions with prospective user groups, and conceptual designs that balance historic preservation with modern functionality.
The rehabilitation effort also reflects broader Downtown 2030 goals: creating more destinations, supporting nightlife and entertainment, increasing cultural activity, and strengthening downtown as a regional hub. As nearby public and private investments continue reshaping downtown Columbus, supporters see the Crump as a catalytic project capable of increasing foot traffic, supporting local businesses, and creating new energy for the surrounding district.
Community support has remained one of the project’s defining characteristics. Thousands of volunteer hours have already been invested in stabilization work, cleanup efforts, advocacy, and programming support. In spring 2026, the theater hosted a series of public performances and events designed to reintroduce audiences to the historic space and build excitement for its future.
Alongside the design work, fundraising efforts continue to advance. The current capital campaign target includes approximately $15 million for construction and restoration, along with a $3 million operating endowment intended to support long-term sustainability and community programming.
More than restoring a historic structure, the rehabilitation of the Crump Theatre represents a broader investment in downtown Columbus and its future as a vibrant cultural destination.
