One of the oldest structures in downtown Columbus will be getting a new look over the next few months, and now it has a new name to go with it.
The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA), which is transforming the former church into an arts facility, has christened the venue-to-be Wrightsel Music Hall, thanks to a gift from the Wrightsel Family Foundation.
Chad Whittington, CAPA’s president and CEO, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support that has been shown for the music hall project.
“The overwhelming support from our community has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life,” Whittington said in a press release.
“We couldn’t have reached this point without the dedication of everyone involved. This venue will be a testament to our shared commitment to the arts.”
CAPA began work in late 2025 to reimagine Central Presbyterian Church, 132 S. 3rd St., as a midsize performance space with a seating capacity of 300-400 people and standing room for 600.
Built in 1895, the church is envisioned as a state-of-the-art, accessible venue able to accommodate live events from concerts to corporate gatherings.
Plans for the space include a bar with a rooftop deck, dressing rooms, a lounge, kitchenette and other additions.
CAPA originally intended to renovate the church when it was purchased for $589,000 in 2013, but the project was sidelined by more pressing work at the Palace Theatre and the Ohio Theatre.
Estimated to cost about $14 million, the project has received gifts from more than 250 families, corporations, foundations, and government donors thus far.
Demolition work is slated to begin later this month, and Wrightsel Music Hall is expected to open in fall 2027.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: CAPA names new music hall to open in downtown Columbus
Reporting by Belinda M. Paschal, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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