Commission approves demo and design for church conversion to music hall on South Third Street

The Downtown Commission granted approval for demolition of a rear 1920s brick addition and for the proposed design to retrofit a 1960s church at South Third and East Chapel Streets into a music hall.

Architect Britney Catania of Schooley Caldwell and Jason Gay of CAPA presented the project. The property is listed on the city’s registered historic properties and was previously reviewed and approved by the Historic Resources Commission (HRC) in January 2025 with conditions: remove signage and murals from architectural drawings (they must return separately), show and identify all site materials, and submit documentation of historic windows that will be altered.

Applicants said they refined design details, replacing a curtain wall at the north connection with a solid wall having punched openings and adding ventilation grilles in a mural wall. They described intended permanent public murals on two blank elevations and said a public process with GCAC (Greater Columbus Arts Council) would guide artist selection and installation. The project team said tower lighting would be contained internally and wash lighting would be used at corners; the HRC had no further issues with the tower lighting as presented.

Commissioners clarified the approval covers demolition of the 1920s addition and the design as presented; signage and murals will return for separate review. One commissioner recused due to conflict; the applicant confirmed it still wanted to proceed knowing that recusal reduced the number of votes needed for approval. The commission approved the demo and design by voice vote.