From the Ground Up: MSU’s Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex

Owner: Missouri State University
General contractor: J.E. Dunn Construction Co.
Architect: Dake Wells Architecture Inc.
Landscape architect: Ecological Design Group LLC (Rogers, Arkansas)
Engineers: Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Inc., civil; RTM Engineering Consultants LLC, structural; McClure Engineering Co. (St. Louis), mechanical, electrical and plumbing; and Terracon Consultants Inc., geotechnical
Size: 24,000 square feet
Cost: $30 million
Estimated completion: September 2026
Project description: The Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex is designed to expand Missouri State University’s arts offerings from the southern gateway to campus along Grand Street. The project includes the construction of a new building to replace the Art Annex, constructed at Camp Crowder in Neosho and relocated to MSU after World War II, for use by the theater and dance department. It will also include the renovation of Craig Hall, a building constructed in 1967, which houses the departments of communication, media, journalism and film; and theater and dance, according to the university’s website. Plans for the new building include a new lobby and reception area, a black box theater and performance teaching studios. The renovated building will receive a new scene shop addition and partial renovations to the first and second floors. Outside along Grand Street new sidewalks, pavers and landscaping are planned, construction officials say.