Photo provided by Project Encore This artist’s rendition shows the renovated exterior of what will become the Crump Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Columbus.
Photo provided by Project Encore This artist’s rendition shows the renovated exterior of what will become the Crump Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Columbus.
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Officials spearheading a major renovation of the historic Crump Theatre released schematic designs and eastward expansion plans showing how the theater will appear after renovations that could begin as early as this fall.

The schematic design illustrates how the historic theater will be restored and expanded to support modern performances, community events, accessibility improvements, and gathering spaces while preserving its architectural character, according to Project Encore officials who are leading the restoration effort for what will be the Crump Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA).

The design is led by Indianapolis-based architecture firm DKGR, selected in August, with principal architect Brian Schubert leading the project.

The renovation project has an anticipated 18-month timeline.

“This project has always been a community effort,” said Laura Garrett, president of the board of directors, Crump Center for the Performing Arts. “From donors and volunteers to arts organizations and city partners, the future Crump Center for the Performing Arts is being shaped by the people who will use it and benefit from it. Releasing the schematic design is an exciting milestone and an important step toward bringing the Crump Theatre back to life.”

As part of the schematic design process, Project Encore and DKGR conducted multiple community stakeholder feedback sessions to ensure the future facility meets the needs of local arts organizations, community groups, and downtown development partners.

Stakeholder sessions included input from organizations and groups such as:

? Columbus Indiana Philharmonic

? Mill Race Theatre Company

? Columbus Area Arts Council

? Office of Downtown Development

? Local production and technical professionals

? Community event organizers and nonprofit partners

These sessions helped inform building layout, backstage and production needs, lobby and gathering spaces, accessibility improvements, and flexible event space that will allow the theater to support a wide range of performances and community events, according to Project Encore officials.

“Revitalizing the Crump Theatre is an opportunity to integrate design with a collaborative process, celebrating its history while expanding its capacity to serve contemporary performance and community needs,” said Brian Schubert, Principal at DKGR Architects. “Through a thoughtful, understated expansion, we extend the theater’s experience beyond its walls, creating a flexible, connected environment that enhances the function of the original theater, cultivates a shared experience, and ensures its future.”

Capital campaign

Project Encore also announced that the capital campaign supporting the project includes a $15 million construction and renovation goal and a $3 million operating endowment to support long-term sustainability and operations once the theater reopens.

Private fundraising is already underway, with early leadership gifts and community support helping build momentum toward the full campaign, Project Encore officials said.

The project is also pursuing public funding partnerships, including applying for support through Indiana’s READI 2.0 program, which supports regional development, quality-of-place investments, and talent attraction initiatives across the state.

“Project Encore is about more than restoring a historic landmark,” said Steve Sanders, Project Encore lead. “This project represents an investment in downtown Columbus, in the arts, in tourism, and in the long-term economic vitality of our community and region. The Crump Center for the Performing Arts will serve as a gathering place, a performance venue, and a driver of activity and investment downtown for decades to come.”
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