The Grand Hall, located on the second floor of the 1886 Stafford Opera House, is the epitome of timeless opulence. Large enough to comfortably seat up to 250, the Grand Hall will captivate you and your guests with its historic elegance. Columbus Historical Preservation Trust (CHPT) would be honored to host such a special and meaningful day for you at the 1886 Stafford Opera House, located at the heart of our downtown and historic town square! Rental Details: Price: ~$3,000 Capacity: <250 guests in the 1886 Stafford Opera House Grand Hall (second floor) Included: Tables and chairs, arranged to your preference Rental Window: 15 hours (ex: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM) What’s Required: 1) Hire of event security for a 4-hour minimum during event or reception 2) Proof of day-of-event insurance 3) 50% deposit at time of reservation We want your celebration to reflect YOU! You are welcome to select the event planner, florist, décor team, caterer, bartender, and entertainment of your choice — we do not require the use of a mandatory vendor list. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule a tour. CHPT is delighted to assist you as you explore whether the 1886 Stafford Opera House is the perfect setting for your big day! History: Built in 1886 by cattleman R. E. Stafford, the Stafford Opera House housed a bank and dry goods store downstairs and a theater upstairs. Designed in the Second Empire style by architect Nicholas J. Clayton, the brick building features distinctive two-toned brickwork, ornate metal details cast in Galveston, and a rare flat-floored Grand Hall. Seating originally accommodated 1,000 guests, and today it remains the largest—and only surviving—flat-floored opera house in Texas. Though called an “opera house,” no opera was ever documented on its stage. After Stafford’s tragic death in 1890 during the infamous Stafford-Townsend Feud, the building later served as a Ford dealership, sports venue, roller rink, and even WWII wartime apartments before closing in 1916 as a performance hall. Purchased in 1972 by what is now the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust, the Opera House underwent an 18-year, $1.3 million restoration and was rededicated in 1990. In 2024, CHPT raised an additional $1.5+ million to preserve it for its next 140 years.