Raclin Murphy Encore Center celebrates grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony with Larson-Danielson Construction

On Friday, February 6, the Raclin Murphy Encore Center celebrated its grand opening in the South Bend community with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The project was brought to life by a series of leaders and organizations in the Michiana area, including Larson-Danielson Construction.

The Raclin Murphy Encore Center is a two-story, 20,000-square-foot addition to the historic Morris Performing Arts Center. The new space features large areas for congregating before and after shows, spacious restrooms, a new bar for patrons, and a dedicated art education and programming venue known as the Equity in the Arts space. The facility will also be available for private and community event rentals and will typically open two hours before performances.

David Merkel, vice president of Larson-Danielson Construction, was the project manager for this development. He believes the grand opening of this new Raclin Murphy Encore Center will be a great beneficiary for people to see the arts into the future.

“I think that it will serve the theater immensely,” Merkel said. “It will give them more space, more bathrooms, and even the grand staircase to replace the old one. I’m glad that we’ve been able to participate in something that will make this theater more useful in the future.”

One of the most visually striking elements of the addition is the new grand radiused staircase, which features butcher block walnut treads and glass handrails. The ceiling features a signature lighting installation made up of more than 300 individual globes that are programmed to create dynamic lighting displays, adding to the immersive atmosphere of the new space.

With this project, Merkel and his team were motivated to create a spacious environment that feels like an experience every time someone walks through the door. 

“People saw how there wasn’t enough space to congregate,” Merkel said. “If you were mingling before this, it would be a tight space. Now there’s all this space to bring in shows, celebrate more events, and bring people together to celebrate.”

The building’s exterior complements the historic Morris Performing Arts Center. The addition is sheathed in terracotta and granite and incorporates large arched glass elements that reflect the character of the original structure without replicating it.

Aaron Perri, vice president of community impact at the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, helped lead the program for the event. The conversation for this expansion came about when the Morris Performing Arts Center was about to celebrate 100 years in the community.

“The Morris Performing Arts Center first opened up in 1922, so we were thinking about how to celebrate the 100th anniversary about five or six years ago,” Perri said. “It had been 20 years since the last major renovation. We thought, ‘What would it look like if we actually expanded, added new square footage, and added new programs and initiatives to make sure the arts are more welcoming and accessible in this community?’ That’s what is happening. We’re here today to celebrate the second phase of that initiative.”

South Bend Mayor James Mueller has seen the community work from the bottom to reach new heights today. He considers this project to be a prime example of the growth in the community over the past few decades.

“There’s a lot of progress happening in our city, and a lot of things we can be proud of,” Mueller said. “When we think and look back to just 15 years ago, when we were named a ‘Dying City,’ to where we are today, this project is emblematic of a community that took offense to that; this is a very strong response. This is an example of what can happen when we put aside our differences and come together for the good of the community.”

Sheila Niezgodski, vice president of the Common Council, is thankful for all of the helping hands who devoted their long days to complete this project.

“This $30 million investment represents more than just bricks and mortar,” Niezgodski said. “It represents belief in creativity, community, and the power of the arts to uplift and unite us all. To the individuals who worked tirelessly on this project, to the volunteers who gave countless hours so this day could become a reality, and to the children whose lives will be impacted through greater access and equity in the arts, we say thank you.”

Along with the elements of creativity and strengthening the community, there are many more features for residents of South Bend to be excited about with this new space. 

“Inside the Raclin Murphy Encore Center, you’ll find the home of the Equity in the Arts program event space, a mission driven program advancing representation, access, and belonging to the arts,” said Chief of Venues and Promotions Dezha Moore. “We’ll be partnering with many different schools, organizations, and local artists to showcase their creativity throughout the year. Everything about this space, from concept to construction, was designed with our community at its heart.”

Some other amenities that the Raclin Murphy Encore Center will also provide are a sensory room, new elevators, a new bar and lounge with concession options, an exterior balcony, and new light fixtures.

This facility roots from longtime philanthropists in the greater South Bend community who have made an impact throughout the city’s history, such as Ernestine Raclin. Her daughter, Carmi Murphy, shared her gratitude for the contributions throughout this community to make this project possible.

“You’ve heard that it takes a village, but this project took a city,” Murphy said. “This is a city on the upswing, and it’s acknowledged as one of the best investments of this type in the country. It is our privilege to be able to participate in this absolutely wonderful facility.”

Residents of South Bend can now admire the lobby, lounge, and the Equity in the Arts Event Space within this new, versatile venue for the community.

“This collaborative space will ensure local artists and community voices are heard, seen, and valued,” said Venues Parks and Arts Executive Director Jordan Gathers. “This is more than an addition to a building; it is an invitation to experience the arts in a way that reflects the heart and soul of South Bend.”

For more information on Larson-Danielson Construction, you can visit ldconstruction.com.