Overview

The Morris Performing Arts Center "Morris 100" project includes upgrades to modernize the theater-going experience and make it more safe, relevant, accessible, and economically impactful. It includes a building addition, redeveloped public park, new performance spaces, and the creation of an arts equity program. The goal is to enhance the quality of life offerings and destination appeal while inciting additional economic gains and future development opportunities. Success will be measured primarily by the Annual Economic Impact Study conducted by The Morris. This key performance indicator will illustrate an increase in hotel occupancy rates, increased food and beverage spending in the local area, and other direct/indirect revenues induced by more ticket sales and larger and more frequent events. Extending the theater's demographic reach by geography, age, and race will be another measured goal. The execution of infill development opportunities will also demonstrate the success of this public-private initiative. Finally, the evolving diversity of acts, the number of students engaged, and the number of arts-based partner organizations we host will further inform the impact of our Equity in Arts program. Grants and private donations fund two-thirds of the project, while the City of South Bend funds the final third. READI funds will cover some of the construction costs. Construction is anticipated to start in May 2023 and be complete by December 2024.