The City of Columbus and Columbus Community Industrial Development Corporation (CCIDC) met the matching pledge challenge of an anonymous donor and approved $100,000 in funds for the “Save Our Opera House” capital campaign.
Those funds, along with the matching $100,000, added $200,000 to the growing campaign monies, which are now at $401,569.
“CHPT (Columbus Historical Preservation Trust) is extremely thankful to the city and to CCIDC for recognizing the importance and value of the Opera House to this community and to the county. There aren’t many pictures of Columbus, Texas that don’t include the Stafford Opera House in them as an iconic centerpiece that is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Columbus and beyond,” said Missy Parker, executive director for CHPT.
Built in 1886 by R.E. (Robert Earl) Stafford, the Stafford Opera House was and is a historical masterpiece by renowned architect, Nicholas Clayton.
It is the crown jewel of our county and will soon be back in business for its original purpose to host weddings, reunions, proms, performances, and other entertainment events,” said Parker, Executive.
CHPT expressed their appreciation to the City of Columbus and CCIDC for their contributions to “Save Our Opera House” and the vision of R.E. Stafford that had it built.
CHPT hopes to be finished with all renovations including the elevator, roof, water leaks, painting and addition of bathrooms on the second floor by late spring.
“There will be a grand re-opening event to celebrate these improvements and to set the tone for the great offerings that are being planned for 2024,” said Parker.
