Historic South Bend venue launches major renovation
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
The Morris Performing Arts Center in downtown South Bend is celebrating its centennial birthday this year with a multimillion-dollar facelift. The organization is holding a ceremonial groundbreaking Wednesday to launch the three-month-long project.
South Bend Venues Parks & Arts department says the 100-year-old venue will undergo approximately $9 million in upgrades in this phase of the renovation. Work includes an overhaul of major mechanicals, a new roof, plus new seats and carpeting.
“The Morris may be going dark to the public this summer, but there is a lot happening within the interior these next few months,” said Venues Parks & Arts Executive Director Aaron Perri. “These upgrades will ensure the Morris is accessible, comfortable, safe, and relevant for the next 100 years.”
The city says this is the first phase of work in a series of planned projects over the next few years which will ultimately include an expansion of the building and the addition of a parking garage.
Perri says the venue’s major fundraising effort, the Morris 100 campaign, has reached nearly $22 million of the overall $30 million capital campaign goal.
The second phase of construction could begin as early as fall 2024.
