The city of Columbus needs to contribute approximately $1.25 million to help get the historic Crump theater up and running again, according to a financial feasibility study presented to the Columbus City Council and Redevelopment Commission on Thursday night.
That money would go toward operational costs over seven years. A report from last year indicated renovating the theater would cost another $10 million.
Danielle McClelland, executive director of the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington, was tasked with the study and presentation.
Citing the city‘s world-renowned architecture and strong arts presence, she says the study indicated that the demographics of Columbus match the highest-performing arts audiences across the nation.
"The type of the people in Columbus are the type of people that spend the most money on arts and entertainment, and currently the people that have that capacity are spending that money somewhere else," McClelland says.
The presentation indicated that there would be a strong need for public and private input and funds to get the Crump where it needs to be.
She envisions a two-year period of renovation and occasional theater offerings. While the city would own the theater, professionals would be brought in to manage the facility and man the box office.
Spending would peak in year two before dropping off considerably.
City council member Frank Jerome said the decision on whether to move forward with the plan will be up to Mayor Kristen Brown and the city council.
There was no indication as to when action or further discussion on this proposal would be taken.
Correction: A previous version of this story indicated $1.25 million was needed to renovate the theater. That number is what is needed in multi-year operating support.