$14 million plan to convert Columbus church into music hall advances ...Middle East

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A $14 million proposal to convert a former downtown Columbus church into a concert venue is moving forward.

The Downtown Commission approved on Tuesday the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts' plan to construct a new music hall in the building previously home to the Central Presbyterian Church at 132 S. Third St. The association purchased the property in 2012 and has long planned a major renovation of the church building. Watch a previous NBC4 report on CAPA's plan in the video player above.

"Even back then, we realized that this would make a great space for a music hall," said CAPA President Chad Whittington last year when the plan was announced. "It's a gathering space just like our theaters are and so it was going to be a great transition for that."

Built in the 1860s, the church is listed on the Columbus Register of Historic Properties. CAPA's proposal calls for the main building to be preserved, including the church's stained-glass features and balconies. A back section of the church constructed in the 1920s will be demolished to make way for a new addition that will wrap around into the parking lot.

Whittington has boasted the future music hall's flexibility, given the space will have capabilities for standing-room-only shows, a dance floor and other offerings that CAPA's existing venues may not. This means the venue will be able to host weddings, corporate meetings and various community events.

CAPA's venue will also feature a bar and two exterior walls left blank on the north and south sides of the building for murals painted by local artists. As part of an effort to diversify the type of musical acts CAPA is able to showcase, the space will prioritize local up-and-coming musicians.

"We have a lot of great bands that originate from Columbus," Jason Gay, CAPA vice president of operations, said last year. "They play the clubs here in Columbus, standing-room clubs that are sort of bar in their atmosphere. We would like this to be a stepping stone venue for them."

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