The entertainment industry flourished in Columbus in the twentieth century with the construction of the North Opera House representing the first brick building constructed on the north side of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks for the sole purpose of entertainment. By 1914, with the growing interest in movies, the North Opera House was renamed the North Theater.

It was owned by Columbus Auditorium Company and operated as a movie theater and opera house. Columbus city offices were located here from 1901-1911. It was sold in 1928 and Charles Wurdeman designed the remodel for a Montgomery Wards Store. It was almost destroyed by fire in 1941 and was extensively rebuilt.

After the 1941 fire and subsequent reconstruction, few details of the original opera house remain. The building is now a small mall subdivided into retail spaces and named Pioneer Plaza including a yoga studio, massage venue, fabric shop, Regina’s kitchen, and more!

Although subsequent remodels and fire have erased almost all the features of the original opera house, the interior of this historic gem still resonates with Columbus area residents.