Larson-Danielson Construction and the City of South Bend administration gathered beside the Morris Performing Arts Center to break ground on the Raclin Murphy Encore Center on Tuesday, September 17. The Encore Center promises to be an important and necessary addition to the increasingly popular performing arts center.
“Anything we can do to keep the Morris vibrant, useful, and friendly is great,” Larson-Danielson Vice President of Office Operations and Project Manager David Merkel said. “This expansion will prolong the use of this building and enhance the events that are held here."
The Morris, South Bend’s concert hall of choice for the past century, has been host to several performances and events over the years. From holiday shows to dramatic performances to comedy tours, the Morris is a beloved fixture in the South Bend community.
The 20,000-square-foot Encore Center expansion will feature additional space and amenities to support events throughout the community. It marks Phase 2 of the Morris 100 project, the largest capital campaign in the theater’s history.
“A couple of years ago, we renovated the existing theater with a historic investment, but now it’s time for the really exciting part where we get to see new things come to life,” South Bend Mayor James Mueller said. “The Raclin Murphy Encore Center will be something our community will be able to cherish for years to come.”
Larson-Danielson was awarded the Encore Center contract in July. The project total comes just short of $17 million and comes entirely from private donations and grants.
“We have worked with Larson-Danielson on other city projects in the past, and they’ve always done a great job,” Patrick Sherman, project manager for the Board of Public Works, said. “They were also our contractor on Howard Park, which was very successful.”
Merkel and the Larson-Danielson team are ready to begin their work on the Encore Center. The addition was designed with the already existing theater in mind both in style and purpose. The design was performed by a collaboration between Ratio Architects and Shive Hattery.
“This will be a new two-story reception area with bathrooms and VIP spaces,” Merkel said. “It’s an area for people to congregate, with a bigger lobby and particularly nice finishes that will complement the existing performing arts center.”
The Encore Center expansion wouldn’t have been possible without donations from private individuals and city entities that want to continue to see South Bend’s art scene thrive, including the Carmichael Foundation founded by Ernestine Morris Carmichael Raclin and her family.
“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,” Deputy Director of Venues, Parks, and Arts Jordan Gathers said. “Together, we are shaping the future of this cherished and iconic theater so that it will remain a beacon of culture for the next 100 years.”
The Raclin Murphy Encore Center is expected to complete construction in late 2025. Following its completion, the Morris 100 project will move into its third and final phase with construction of an attached parking garage expected to begin in 2026.To learn more about Larson-Danielson Construction and the work it’s doing in your community, visit ldconstruction.com.