Fire damage increases MSU project budget by $2M

Missouri State University is expected to increase its budget for the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex by slightly more than $2 million following a June 2025 fire at Craig Hall.

A proposal to increase the budget to roughly $37 million will go to the MSU Board of Governors during its April 15 meeting.

The original budget for the multi-step project, which includes constructing a new building on Grand Street, was $35 million.

If approved, the additional funds would be used to partially renovate Coger Theatre in Craig Hall after smoke and water damage from the fire related to a mechanical unit.

Renovation work includes replacing wood acoustical wall panels, stage wood overlay, the stage HVAC unit and minor electrical work and painting.

According to MSU, the budget increase would also cover costs for cleanup, supplies and replacement of damaged items for the Theatre and Dance Department.

The board proposal states adding the Coger Theatre renovation to the existing complex makes sense because it will have the same finishes as the Craig Hall lobby renovation, which is in process, and uses the same construction trade partners.

Craig Hall is home to the departments of communication, theatre and dance, and media, journalism and film.

The renovations are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. Funding includes slightly more than $1.6 million from the Craig Hall insurance fund for fiscal year 2025, $97,000 from the property insurance fund and $303,000 from the President’s Program Enhancement Fund.

MSU launched the performing arts complex project in late 2024 with state funding and an eight-figure gift from the C. W. Titus Foundation.

Separately, the board will also be asked to approve an agreement with MTS Contracting Inc. for $567,458 to resolve water infiltration issues at Strong Hall. The total project budget of $669,000 is to be funded by the university’s maintenance and repair budget.

If approved, the project would remove and replace caulk joints between the precast and exterior walls at Strong Hall during the fall 2026 semester.