Over twenty years ago, a group of leaders from across the region raised $17 million to upgrade and renovate ‘the Morris’ and the Palais Royale ballroom. The city of South Bend contributed more than a third of the needed funds.
Repainting, plastering, floor improvements, increased seating capacity and an expansion of the stage to attract today’s most popular performers and shows. The Palais Royale ballroom was also restored to its original beauty and reopened at that time.
This is more than a renovation. We’re now working to ensure the Morris is still here and the arts still thriving in our community for decades to come. The Neverending Encore campaign will improve the theatre’s aging mechanical systems, replace the original concrete floor, and expand the building’s north side. It will also introduce a more inviting outdoor performance area, create an Equity in Arts program, and endow the building into the future.
The campaign will raise $30 million. The City of South Bend will pay for a third and the balance will be raised privately.
Patrons have requested more parking for decades. The garage addition to the building will also introduce flexible space for community events, an additional restroom and a sorely needed elevator at the north end of the theatre.
The endowment will help ensure everyone in our community has access to the Arts at the Morris.
The impact is tremendous. $112 million in direct revenue since the year 2000, an additional $240 million in economic impact over that same period, and more than 200 local jobs tied directly to events held at the complex.
The operations are managed by South Bend Venues Parks & Arts staff, many of whom have been with the Morris for years. As a team, they’ve made the Morris increasingly more profitable year-after-year.
For more information about the Morris 100 Campaign, please contact Amy Roush at aroush@southbendin.gov