## The Crump’s Encore: Can Columbus Bring Back This Iconic Venue?
Remember The Crump? The legendary Columbus nightspot that pulsed with music, laughter, and the energy of a generation? Picture sweaty dance floors, pulsating lights, and the thrill of discovering your next favorite band. Now imagine that energy roaring back to life.
Theatre Projects Study: Highlighting the City’s Entertainment Deficit
A study conducted by international consultant Theatre Projects found that the public wants more entertainment and performance opportunities in Columbus. The study, released by the Heritage Fund, revealed a significant entertainment deficit in the city, highlighting the need for a revitalized and modernized live entertainment venue. The Crump Theatre, a 135-year-old landmark, has been identified as a key player in addressing this deficit, with officials believing that a renovated Crump could fill the local and regional market need for entertainment.
According to the study, Columbus lacks a performing arts center of the size and caliber that the Crump could offer. With artists driving through the city on their way to larger metropolitan areas, officials see an opportunity to “grab them and reshape tour routes to stop here.” This would not only bring in new revenue for local businesses but also provide a much-needed entertainment option for residents.
Additionally, the study recommended focusing on the city’s current catalog of underutilized venues, including The Crump. By investing in the renovation of this historic landmark, officials can create a vibrant and thriving entertainment district in the heart of Columbus.
“Columbus is ripe for this,” said Steve Sanders, the project’s director. “We don’t have a performing arts center of this size. … These artists are driving right through our front door anyway. They’re stopping in Columbus for fuel on the way to Chicago or Indianapolis or Louisville or Cincinnati. … We can grab them and reshape tour routes to stop here.”
Downtown Revitalization: How the Crump Fits into the Plan
The Crump Theatre is poised to play a key role in the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. As part of the Columbus Downtown 2030 Strategic Plan, officials are working to create a thriving and vibrant downtown area that showcases the city’s unique character and charm. The renovation of the Crump Theatre is a critical component of this plan, as it will provide a world-class entertainment venue that can attract visitors and locals alike.
According to Sanders, the Crump Theatre has been the subject of several conversations and studies about its potential to play a key role in the city’s downtown revitalization. “We want to make this a modern, classic space,” he said. “And this is kind of as far as we can get it without a major renovation.”
The renovation plans for the Crump Theatre include a “major renovation” that would “take it down to the sticks,” said Sanders. This would involve stripping the building back to its original structure and then rebuilding it with modern amenities and features. The goal is to create a state-of-the-art entertainment venue that can compete with other major cities in the region.
“We want to add fire suppression, we want to add ADA facilities,” said Sanders. “We want to make this a safe and accessible space for everyone.”
Attracting Regional Acts: Columbus as a Destination
Columbus has long been a stopover for artists and performers traveling between larger metropolitan areas. With the renovation of the Crump Theatre, officials believe that the city can capitalize on this existing traffic and become a destination for regional acts.
“These artists are driving right through our front door anyway,” said Sanders. “They’re stopping in Columbus for fuel on the way to Chicago or Indianapolis or Louisville or Cincinnati. … We can grab them and reshape tour routes to stop here.”
The Crump Theatre’s proximity to major highways and interstates makes it an ideal location for regional acts. With a renovated venue, officials believe that the city can attract a wider range of acts, from rock bands to theater productions.
“We don’t have a performing arts center of this size,” said Sanders. “But with the Crump, we can create a world-class entertainment venue that can compete with other major cities in the region.”
Financial Considerations and Future Prospects
Funding the Encore: Grants, Foundations, and Potential Partnerships
The renovation of the Crump Theatre is expected to cost in the millions of dollars. To fund this project, officials are exploring various options, including grants and partnerships with local foundations and businesses.
A $50,000 grant from the Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County has been secured to support the project. Officials are also working with the Columbus Capital Foundation, which owns the Crump Theatre, to secure additional funding.
“We’re looking for partners who believe in the vision of this project,” said Sanders. “We want to create a world-class entertainment venue that will benefit the entire community.”
Project Cost Breakdown: Millions in Investment for a Historic Landmark
The exact cost of the renovation is still uncertain, but officials estimate that it will be in the millions of dollars. This investment will be used to strip the building back to its original structure, add modern amenities and features, and create a state-of-the-art entertainment venue.
“We’re talking in the millions,” said Sanders. “But it’s not going to be a cheap ticket, and it’s not something we should try to necessarily do as thrifty as possible. We need to do something that really pays homage to this space for what it is.”
Sustainability: Balancing Preservation with Operational Costs
One of the key challenges facing the renovation of the Crump Theatre is balancing preservation with operational costs. Officials must ensure that the renovation does not compromise the historic integrity of the building while also creating a sustainable and financially viable operation.
“We want to make this a modern, classic space,” said Sanders. “But we also want to make sure that we’re not sacrificing the historic charm of the building in the process.”
The Impact on Columbus: Economic and Cultural Benefits
Job Creation: Boosting the Local Economy
The renovation of the Crump Theatre is expected to create new jobs in the local economy. With a renovated venue, officials believe that the city can attract more events and performances, which will in turn create new employment opportunities.
“We’re talking about creating a world-class entertainment venue that will bring in new revenue and create new jobs for local residents,” said Sanders. “This is a win-win for the entire community.”
Preserving History: Ensuring the Crump’s Continued Legacy
The renovation of the Crump Theatre is not just about creating a new entertainment venue, but also about preserving the historic legacy of the building. Officials are working to ensure that the renovation respects the building’s original structure and charm while also creating a modern and sustainable operation.
“We want to make this a modern, classic space,” said Sanders. “But we also want to make sure that we’re not sacrificing the historic charm of the building in the process.”
“The Crump is a beloved landmark in our community,” said Sanders. “We want to preserve its legacy for future generations.”
Conclusion
The Crump Theatre, a Columbus icon steeped in history and a symbol of the city’s vibrant cultural past, is facing a crossroads. While its grandeur has faded, a passionate group of supporters envision a thrilling “encore” – a revival as a thriving live entertainment venue. The article highlights the challenges this ambitious project faces, from structural restoration to securing funding, but also emphasizes the immense potential rewards: a vibrant cultural hub, a platform for local artists, and a revitalized landmark that once again echoes with the roar of the crowd. This isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about preserving a piece of Columbus’ soul and shaping its future. The Crump Theatre’s transformation could ignite a renaissance in the city’s arts scene, attracting tourists and fostering a sense of community pride. It could become a testament to the enduring power of dreams, proving that even the most faded stars can shine brightly once again. The future of The Crump Theatre rests in our hands, and the decision we make today will reverberate through the generations to come. Will we allow this landmark to crumble into obscurity, or will we rise to the challenge and orchestrate its triumphant return?