The transformation of the former Central Presbyterian Church into a music hall is officially moving forward.
On Tuesday, the Downtown Commission approved the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts’ (CAPA) $14 million proposal to convert the historic building at 132 S. Third St. into a concert venue.
Last year, CAPA shared its vision for the music hall, emphasizing the importance of preserving the church’s history while repurposing it into a vibrant gathering place.
“We like to view churches in history as a gathering place,” CAPA CEO Chad Whittington said last year when the project was announced. “And we will continue that, certainly a different kind of gathering place, but still a place to bring people together.”
With the commission’s approval, those plans are now set to become a reality. CAPA, which purchased the property in 2012, has long envisioned a major renovation of the 1857 Romanesque cathedral. The new venue will accommodate around 600 guests for standing events and 300 for seated performances, offering a flexible space for artists and audiences alike.
One of the key features of the renovation is the preservation of the building’s breathtaking stained glass, including a western wall piece attributed to Ludwig Von Gerichten.
As Whittington noted last year, the glass adds an ethereal quality to the space, especially in the late afternoon sun. For performances where the religious imagery may not fit, drapes will provide the option to temporarily cover the windows.
The Whole Package
Beyond the main music hall, the project includes a new two-story support space south of the building, which will house restrooms, dressing rooms, and a bar with a rooftop area. Whittington previously highlighted this addition as a way to boost activity in downtown Columbus, giving theatergoers a place to gather before and after performances.
With construction now set to begin, CAPA hopes to complete the project within two years.
