The City of South Bend, joined by state legislators, council members, and donors, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today to launch the construction of the Raclin Murphy Encore Center, a new 20,000-square-foot addition to the Morris Performing Arts Center. This marks the second phase of the Morris 100 project, following extensive interior renovations to the venue.
The new center will be situated between the Morris and the LaSalle Apartments and will include expanded lobby space, improved circulation, additional restrooms, and pre-function areas. It will also offer spaces for events such as weddings, meetings, and specialty programs, while supporting the Equity in the Arts initiative through the city’s Venues Parks & Arts department.
Construction company Larson-Danielson was awarded the $15.2 million contract for Phase 2 of the project, following a competitive bidding process. The total cost of Phase 2 is projected at $16.7 million, funded by private donations and the state’s READI 1.0 grant.
The Morris 100 project, also known as “The Neverending Encore,” is a three-phase initiative. Phase 1, completed in 2022 at a cost of $10 million, involved significant upgrades to seating, carpeting, HVAC, lighting, and safety systems. Phase 2 is expected to take 16 months to complete, with shows continuing at the Morris during construction. Phase 3, the construction of an attached parking garage, is set to begin in 2026.
The overall campaign, launched in 2020, aims to raise $30 million to ensure the Morris Performing Arts Center remains a vital part of the community for years to come.
