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The Columbus Community and Industrial Development Corporation approved one half of the requested amount of $105,320 dollars, or $52,660 for the addition of three bathrooms on the second floor, Grand Hall level, of the Stafford Opera House on Oct. 16.
An anonymous donor pledged to match any city monies up to $100,000. At the recent City Council meeting, Columbus approved the to provide $47,340 to along with the CCIDC grant to reach the $100,000 mark in city money.
The $200,000 total will be used to add second-floor bathrooms to the Grand Hall level.
Parker expressed extreme gratitude to the council for their support of a historical icon and treasure that will increase tourism and enjoyment for generations to come.
To date, $241,326 funds have been raised with an additional $117,340 still available in pledges once matched.
On Monday, Oct. 16, Parker received a check in the amount of $3,000 from the Lion’s Club.
“Support from the community says a great deal about the importance of the Stafford Opera House to this community,” Parker said, “Proms, weddings, reunions, and many other memorable events have taken place there.”
“Preserving this historic building is not just about saving a building; it is about preserving our cultural heritage and enriching our community. The opera house stands as a testament to our city’s history and serves as a symbol of our artistic and architectural legacy. It shows that the community values its heritage and is willing to invest in its preservation.”
This week, work began on repairing roof leaks, which will take a few weeks to complete. Plans for the new elevator have been submitted to the Texas Department of Licenses and Regulations. That process can take up to three months, but Parker hopes to expedite it.
Plans are already underway to schedule events starting in the spring of 2024. As the funds are raised, that timeline and ability to do the work becomes possible.
CHPT thanks the community for their support and invites them to reach out at any time to ask questions about the progress and make suggestions for events in 2024.
Shirley Isbell and Nancy Williams will be chairing the ‘Events” committee and have some great ideas and plans already in the works. Last night’s commitment from the city is yet another step toward the realization of restoring the crown jewel of Columbus.
