Originally designed for the presentation of motion pictures, vaudeville acts, and local theatrical productions, the Columbia was the largest theater in Hammond.

Although a sincere effort to remodel and reopen the theater was made in the late 1970s by businessman Wiley Sharp, it proved to be too challenging for one individual.

Another group of citizens, led by Marguerite Walter, Director of the Hammond Downtown Development District (DDD), worked to save the Columbia.

The League, which stressed the importance of saving old theaters, asked Killis Almond of San Antonio, Texas, to visit Hammond.

To expand the lobby space and secure a loading dock, retired Judge Leon Ford approached H. P. Forbes, owner of the old Firestone Tire building located on the east side of the Columbia.

Since 2020, the Columbia Theatre implemented a self-produce model for productions that involves auditions, set and costume design, rehearsal schedules and creative teams made up of community members, business owners and hard working actors.