COLUMBUS, Neb . — When the curtains are pulled back and the lights come on the downtown theatre in Columbus is in serious need of a renovation.

The Columbus Area Future Fund alongside Columbus in Action have a plan underway to renovate this once memorable theatre.

“I used to come here as a child for the Wednesday Matinées for when they dropped the kids off so the moms can go shopping,” Project Chair for the Theatre Restoration Scott Mueller said.

Fixing the hanging wires and collapsed ceilings are just a few of the many things needed to get the theatre back up and running. The project is expected to cost over $8 million and includes renovating the annex, next door, as well.

Closing for business in the 90’s, though in rough shape, the building still holds on to what it used to be.

“It’s sad to see it in this condition.” Fund Advisory Committee Member for the Columbus Area Future Fund Dee Hanson said, “But I will say there’s so much history and there’s such a vibrant feeling behind it. So that’s what our group is really excited about, is bringing that vibrancy and that history back to life.”

Bringing the theatre back to life includes adding a speak easy and a deck, on the second floor, as well as making the theatre more accessible. Mueller said they hope to add a floating floor which will allow for more flexible seating options like a banquet setting and classic theatre seats.

Mueller used to bring his kids to see shows at the theatre and had many date nights here, working on the project brings all the memories running back.

“It’s disappointing because of the shape it is in,” Mueller said, “But yet, it’s like a walk back in time because I do remember all the areas of the theatre. But the exciting part is the vision of what it can be."

The theatre will also have better accommodations for performers such as better dressing rooms and backstage access.

Even though the building needs more than a fresh coat of paint and a costume chance, the backstage crew hope to bring back to the nostalgia and action of the past.