Ball State University held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new performing arts center and Cantio Hotel. University President Geoffery Mearns welcomed students, alumni, community members, trustee members and city officials to Muncie’s college town Village Nov. 14.

During his opening remarks, Mearns greeted the community and defined the project's overall vision as a “new premier entertainment venue and a new boutique hotel, which has been fulfilled,” by the official digging event.

He shared some of the conceptual history behind the new buildings, starting in 2012 when Chris Palladino and Tom Kinghorn traveled to different universities and colleges.

The goal they shared was “to understand how these other institutions successfully revitalized commercial districts adjacent to their campuses,”  Mearns said.

Ball State used Cardinal properties and engaged with the community by asking stakeholders, neighbors, and merchants their thoughts on the project. Ball State chose to work with Fairmount Properties to help make the vision a reality.

Mearns said the university received a $35 million philanthropic investment from the Lilly Endowment, which was “the largest gift in the university's history.” Colleagues from the foundation generated around $50 billion. 

He also thanked all the individual donors who contributed.

Board of Trustee Chairman Rick Hall said he is glad so many people see these buildings are a great opportunity for the university and the community.

“Now, we all believe that the village is going to be such a great asset and improvement [for] the campus,” Hall said.

He emphasized how the construction of the new buildings will enhance the beauty of the campus and “change the skyline.” He also knows that these buildings will help Ball State students better their education.

“Our mission is to prepare our graduates for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives,” Hall said.

The goal of the mission has been well-received by first-year acting student Becca Pinero came to this ceremony because as a first-year student, she is very excited to see where this development takes the program and how it will allow her to flourish. 

“It's really exciting [because] everybody's here with a lot of hope and joy for the upcoming [performance] seasons in this new space,” Pinero said.

Ball State’s Department Chairman of Theatre and Dance, Bill Jenkins spoke regarding the validity of the new performing arts center and how the lives of his students could be enhanced, calling the ceremony “a monumental moment in the history of theatre and dance.”

Jenkins began his remarks by reminiscing on the past and dreaming about the possibilities of the upcoming years.

“As I stand here, I can't help but think about the past and appreciate our present and look towards our limitless future,” he said, sharing the history of the university’s theatre and dance department and how as a teacher, he works diligently to make sure the students felt loved, cared and believed in.

“That this building is truly for our students,” Jenkins said. 

President and CFO of Schahet Hotels, Greg Schahet, thanked Mayor Dan Ridenour and Muncie City Council, saying that without them, he “wouldn't be there,” since the city trusted the hotel company with the construction. 

His thanks extended to Mearns, partners at Fairmount Properties, and financial support from First Source Bank, among others.

Mearns said the joint construction projects are expected to be completed by 2026.

Contact Shelby Anderson and Katherine Hill via email at sanderson9@bsu.edu or katherine.hill@bsu.edu.

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