On a bright Tuesday, September 17, the city of South Bend witnessed a momentous occasion as officials gathered beside the iconic Morris Performing Arts Center. The event marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated Raclin Murphy Encore Center, a project poised to significantly enhance the cultural landscape of the area.
The background and story
Architectural rendering of the Raclin Murphy Encore Center
The Morris Performing Arts Center has been at the heart of South Bend’s cultural scene for over a century. The venue is known for hosting an array of performances—from festive holiday shows to gripping dramatic performances and laugh-out-loud comedy tours. The Encore Center expansion will rejuvenate this historic venue, ensuring its vibrancy for future generations.
David Merkel, who is leading this project, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “Anything we can do to keep the Morris vibrant, useful, and friendly is great. This expansion will prolong the use of this building and enhance the events that are held here,” he said.
Covering 20,000 square feet, the Encore Center will offer new space and amenities for community events. This marks phase two of the Morris 100 project, the theater’s biggest capital campaign yet.
According to South Bend Mayor James Mueller, the theater was renovated with a historic investment. He believes that the Raclin Murphy Encore Center will be a cherished community asset for years to come.
The project details
The project was awarded to Larson-Danielson in July, with a budget just shy of $17 million. The Morris 100 project has been funded entirely through private donations and grants. Patrick Sherman, Board of Public Works Project Manager, expressed his confidence in L-D’s ability to complete this project. His evidence? Our past successful collaborations, like the Howard Park renovation.
The Raclin Murphy Encore Center was designed by a collaboration between Ratio Architects and Shive Hattery. It will feature a new two-story reception area, complete with VIP spaces and modern amenities. It will be an area for people to congregate, with a bigger lobby that will complement the existing performing arts center.
The crowd at the Raclin Murphy Encore Center groundbreaking event
Thanking the donors
The Encore Center’s successful expansion is thanks to generous private individuals and city entities supporting South Bend’s art scene. Notably, the Carmichael Foundation, founded by Ernestine Morris Carmichael Raclin and her family, contributed significantly.
Jordan Gathers, Deputy Director of Venues, Parks, and Arts, emphasized the importance of these contributions. “The foundation and donor contributions drive our mission of equity in arts forward, ensuring this special place remains a locally and nationally renowned artistic hub of excellence,” he said.
The Raclin Murphy Encore Center is set for late 2025, marking a new chapter in South Bend’s culture. The Morris 100 project’s final phase, a parking garage, will begin construction in 2026. The community is creating a legacy to keep the Morris Performing Arts Center a cultural beacon for 100 years.
This content originally appeared as an article on NWI.LIfe by Damon Modglin on September 17, 2024. To view the original article, click the link below.