The neon lights of downtown Columbus are a bit brighter these days with the return of the newly renovated marquee of the historic Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.).

CAPA launched the $150,000 refurbishment project last June as a result of needed repairs to damaged wiring, failed sockets and excessive rust. The signature marquee was officially re-lighted at a ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 13, with long-time CAPA supporter Jane Zimmerman performing the honorary “flipping of the switch.”

“The Ohio Theatre marquee is one of the most loved and recognized icons of downtown Columbus,” says CAPA Vice President of Theatre Operations Todd Bemis. “The renovations remain true to the original design but enable the marquee to shine brighter than it has in many decades.”

The Ohio Theatre marquee, original to the building when it opened in 1928, has undergone various facelifts, most recently in the 1980s. However, the present restoration is the most extensive undertaken to date.

CAPA enlisted the expertise of the Columbus Sign Company, who also performed the last round of repairs 25 years ago. The marquee was removed and structural engineers called in to verify the soundness of the existing steel. The structure was then carefully dismantled and repairs began including the replacement of rusted metal and installation of new circuits and wiring. It was also cleaned, repainted and fitted with new metal tracks to hold the lettering on the front and side panels.

The crowning gems of this historic piece are a pair of leaded glass color panels which adorn each corner of the marquee. Passers-by may not have noticed them in years past, as the previous electrical configuration did not allow them to be sufficiently lit. The most recent electrical repairs to the marquee provide much more illumination for these remarkable panels, as well as revive several chaser lights which have not been lit for many years.