Tracks' Adventures: 100 Years of History, A Future Full of Possibilities at the Columbus Theater
From its grand opening in 1926 to an ambitious restoration campaign today, the historic Columbus Theater is preparing for its next act!
The Curtain First Rose in 1926
For this week's Tracks' Adventure, our favorite downtown guide is turning back the clock nearly 100 years!
On December 26, 1926, the Columbus Theater first opened its doors at 2408 13th Street in downtown Columbus.
Imagine the excitement of moviegoers gathering beneath the theater's marquee, purchasing tickets, and settling in for an evening of entertainment. The theater was more than a place to watch a movie. It was a destination where friends gathered, families made memories, and the community came together.
Think about how much Columbus has changed since then. Generations have grown up, businesses have come and gone, and downtown has continued to evolve. Through it all, the Columbus Theater building has remained part of our community's landscape.
Now, as the theater approaches its 100th anniversary, an exciting effort is underway to give this historic landmark a new chapter.
An early photograph of the Columbus Theater showing its original marquee and vertical sign. The theater opened on December 26, 1926.
A Little Art Deco History Hiding in Plain Sight
The Columbus Theater isn't just an old movie theater. It's also a remarkable example of 1920s theater architecture!
According to documentation from the National Register of Historic Places, the two-story building was constructed in the Art Deco style and featured several distinctive architectural elements.
The original first-floor facade was covered with Carrara glass, a decorative structural glass popular during the early 20th century. Glass display cases on either side of the main entrance showcased movie posters, offering passersby a glimpse of the entertainment waiting inside.
But perhaps the most fascinating details are found when you look up!
Above the entrance is an elaborate terra cotta relief depicting an interaction between Christopher Columbus and Native Americans. The artwork includes decorative pilasters, finials, and ornamental details, with the word "Columbus" incorporated into the design.
And then there's the theater's memorable marquee!
Over the years, the Columbus Theater's appearance has changed. Many residents may remember the colorful triangular marquee that extended over the sidewalk, complete with the familiar "Columbus" lettering. However, that marquee was actually a later addition, not part of the theater's original 1926 design.
Historic photographs reveal an earlier marquee and vertical sign, and Columbus in Action is exploring a design that would bring back the appearance of the original theater entrance.
It's an exciting opportunity to reconnect the building with its earliest history while preparing it for a new generation.
The next time you're exploring downtown Columbus, take a moment to look up at the theater. You might discover architectural details you've walked past hundreds of times without ever noticing!
Bringing Back the Magic
Today, Columbus in Action (CIA) is working to give the historic theater a new purpose.
Columbus in Action is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people through cultural, entertaining, and innovative opportunities that engage the greater Columbus area.
Its vision for the Columbus Historic Theater Project goes far beyond reopening a movie theater.
Imagine a beautifully restored downtown venue where people could enjoy live concerts, theatrical performances, classic films, community celebrations, educational workshops, and special events.
The possibilities include:
Live music and theatrical productions
Classic movie screenings
Community festivals and receptions
Business meetings and entrepreneurial events
Educational workshops and student programming
Guest speakers and professional training sessions
The goal is to create a flexible gathering place that serves residents and visitors of all ages while preserving an important piece of Columbus history.
An architectural concept showing a possible future for the Columbus Theater. Plans remain under review and are subject to change as the project progresses.
Preserving the Past, Preparing for the Future
Restoring a nearly century-old building is no small undertaking!
In November 2023, Columbus in Action commissioned BVH Architecture to evaluate the theater's condition and explore its potential for restoration.
The comprehensive assessment examined everything from structural integrity and accessibility to heating, cooling, electrical systems, plumbing, acoustics, and safety.
The architectural team also conducted community listening sessions to better understand what residents hoped the theater could become.
Those conversations helped shape a vision for a multipurpose entertainment and community venue.
Proposed improvements include renovations to the auditorium and balcony, modern sound and lighting systems, improved accessibility, updated backstage areas, and a marquee inspired by the theater's original design.
Plans have also included an adjustable flooring system that could allow the auditorium to accommodate different types of events, along with a proposed speakeasy and lounge.
The project has been envisioned in two phases, allowing improvements to move forward as funding becomes available.
As the project moves through the design phase, the restoration committee continues to evaluate and refine the plans. While the proposed improvements provide an exciting look at what the theater could become, some details may change as the project progresses.
What remains constant is the vision of preserving the Columbus Theater's historic character while creating a welcoming, versatile venue for future generations.
More Than a Theater — An Investment in Downtown
Here's something Tracks especially loves about this project: its potential to benefit the entire downtown community!
Picture an evening in the Trackside District.
Friends gather for dinner at a downtown restaurant before attending a concert. Families spend the afternoon shopping and exploring downtown before enjoying a theatrical performance. Visitors from surrounding communities discover local businesses, public art, and other attractions while they're here.
A restored Columbus Theater could provide another reason for people to visit downtown and stay a little longer.
And those visits have the potential to create a positive ripple effect for local restaurants, shops, and other businesses.
To better understand that potential, Columbus in Action worked with Nebraska Public Power District on an economic impact study examining the theater's possible contributions to local employment and economic activity.
It's an example of how historic preservation, arts and culture, and downtown revitalization can work hand in hand.
An $8.4 Million Vision for the Future
Of course, bringing a historic landmark back to life requires a significant investment.
In April 2025, Columbus in Action officially launched an $8.4 million fundraising campaign to restore the Columbus Theater.
The campaign is structured in two stages, beginning with major gifts and expanding into a broader community fundraising effort.
The decision to move forward followed architectural assessments, community discussions, a fundraising feasibility study, and an economic impact analysis.
Columbus in Action's board unanimously supported pursuing the project, recognizing its potential to strengthen the community's cultural offerings, economic vitality, and civic pride.
As Columbus in Action Board President Tom Loseke shared when the campaign was announced, the project represents not only the restoration of a historic building but also an investment in the future of the city.
Today, the project remains in its fundraising stage.
Individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in supporting the effort can learn more about giving opportunities, pledges, and ways to become involved.
Every successful restoration begins with people who believe a historic place is worth preserving.
The Next 100 Years Start With Us
On December 26, 2026, the Columbus Theater will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its original opening.
What an incredible milestone!
For nearly a century, this building has stood along 13th Street, witnessing generations of change in downtown Columbus.
Now, the community has an opportunity to help shape what comes next.
The Columbus Historic Theater Project is about more than saving an old building. It's about preserving history, creating new opportunities for entertainment and education, supporting downtown businesses, and giving future generations a place to make their own memories.
The curtain hasn't risen on the theater's next act just yet, but the vision is certainly worth sharing!
Want to learn more or help bring the Columbus Theater back to life?
Visit Columbus in Action's Historic Theater Project to explore the restoration plans, learn about the fundraising campaign, and discover ways to support the effort.
And keep following Tracks' Adventures as we uncover the history, businesses, projects, and hidden gems that make the Trackside District such a special place to Dine. Shop. Explore. Experience.
