Safety Concerns Keep Historic Theater Closed

A central Indiana fire chief says the city’s 125-year-old downtown theater won’t be allowed to reopen as planned because of safety concerns.

The Columbus Capital Foundation was looking to reopen the Crump Theatre the month, but Fire Chief Dave Allmon said the building’s problems are too extensive and must be fixed first.

The Republic reports that a consultant report found the theater’s mechanical room was unsafe because of water damage and its stage floor doesn’t meet structural codes.

Foundation secretary Tracy Souza says the Crump’s bank account has only about $2,000 and that decisions about its future won’t be made anytime soon. She says options include selling the building or leaving it closed indefinitely.

Mayor Kristin Brown has said she wanted the theater to anchor the city’s Arts District.