The sounds of confetti cannons echoed through the cavernous church.
The crowd of arts supporters applauded while gold paper stars floated down from the balcony, catching in the glow from the stained glass windows.
Chad Whittington, CEO of the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, also known as CAPA, announced, "Welcome to Wrightsel Music Hall."
CAPA bought the former Central Presbyterian Church on South Third Street in downtown Columbus in 2013 with dreams of turning it into a flexible performance space.
Whittington said Thursday that construction fences will go up next week as CAPA takes the first major steps to renovate the church.
The Sunday school area at the back of the church is slated to be demolished to make room for amenities like restrooms and a bar. The main church building, which was built in 1859, will remain much as it is now with some improvements.
When the new venue opens — likely in fall of 2027, after up to 15 months of construction — it will do so as the Wrightsel Music Hall.
The Wrightsel Family Foundation made what CAPA calls a "transformational" donation to the project, pushing the funding past the $14 million goal CAPA originally set.
The 20-year-old Wrightsel Family Foundation aims to help central Ohio children have access to healthcare, education and opportunities for artistic expression.
Madison Wrightsel-Bryce said Wrightsel Music Hall will help fulfil that mission.
"It will be a place where school students can get real-world technical and culinary training and where accessible programming ensures every family in central Ohio can afford a night out to enjoy the arts," Wrightsel-Bryce said.
Wrightsel-Bryce's sister, Kelsey Wrightsel, said she was "shocked" by the church's beauty the first time she saw it.
"The stained glass — just everything is incredible. So, we're so excited for all of that to be kept in the new space," she said.
CAPA did not disclose how much money the Wrightsel Family Foundation donated, but listed their contribution as more than $200,000, with other major project supporters like the city of Columbus, the Columbus Foundation, The Greater Columbus Arts Council, the state of Ohio and a handful of businesses, families and organizations.
In all, CAPA received more than 250 donations to the project. Whittington said that shows the community's confidence in CAPA and the music hall.
"It's not just CAPA saying that this is important for the community, but the community itself says, 'this is something we think we need here in Columbus.'"
CAPA has said the music hall will fill a hole in its venue offerings. It will be able to fit around 600 people for a standing concert, or 300 people for a seated banquet event. It's expected to be used for a range of purposes and in many configurations.
Whittington has previously said the space will sometimes be open to the community for free.
Another Wrightsel family member, Brent Wrightsel, said Thursday that he would like to see some county music and rock concerts in the space someday, since those are his favorites.
He echoed his family members' sentiments about the venue's bright future.
"We can see what it is now, and it's going to be incredible," Brent Wrightsel said. "The addition that's being put on with the bar and the rooftop bar is going to make this a very vibrant place."
The Wrightsel Family Foundation's naming agreement lasts for 15 years, with an option to renew for another 15 years.
While CAPA exceeded its original fundraising goal, the organization is still seeking money for the project. Whittington said cost increases caused by uncertainty in the world have pushed the budget up over the past few years.
Whittington said CAPA still wants to do more with the space.
