Columbus City Council gives final approval for $3M TIF grant for Crump Theatre project

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus City Council voted unanimously to approve a $3 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) grant to support the restoration and expansion of the historic Crump Theatre as part of Project Encore.

A crowd of Crump Theatre supporters gathered at the Columbus City Council chambers Tuesday night as Project Encore leaders made their case for the key funding needed for their long-planned redevelopment of the more than a century‑old downtown landmark.

The Columbus Redevelopment Commission authorized the grant for the Columbus Crump Center for Performing Arts. The funds will help transform the 1889 venue into an operational 900-capacity performing arts center.

Project plans include restoring the 1941 facade and building a three-story expansion to the east to house mechanical systems, green rooms, and administrative space. Construction hard and soft costs are estimated at approximately $20 million, with opening targeted for fall 2028.

The city’s $3 million commitment fulfills local match requirements for a $6.1 million Indiana READI 2.0 grant awarded to the project. Private donor pledges and a $1 million commitment from the Heritage Fund — the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County bring current private funding to over $5 million.