OTTUMWA, Iowa — The Indian Hills Community College Performing Arts Center is undergoing a $6 million remodel that should be ready for use by next fall.

The existing facility will be expanded by about 2,500 square feet in addition to a significant renovation.

The construction company heading the project, McGough Construction, says they were excited to help Indian Hills invest in the performing arts and ensure local participation in the project.

McGough Construction’s General Manager Mike Harryman said, “Indian Hills continues to invest in the community through investing in their performing arts program, giving students even better experience. So I think that’s very exciting. I also think it’s exciting in the fact that through doing this, Indian Hills is providing a lot of, I’d say, local participation.”

Harryman said that all the contractors working with them on the project live and work in the community.

The new building will be a two-story atrium that will become the campus welcome center.

There are plans for a new studio classroom for acting and film classes with state-of-the-art sound and projection technology, dressing rooms and makeup room, a home for the Arts and Sciences office, a new choir/band room, and a new area for set construction.

In a press release, Dr. Matt Thompson, President of Indian Hills Community College said, “We are excited to work with McGough to bring the vision of the Indian Hills Performing Arts Center to life. “The new and renovated facilities will provide our students with an outstanding learning environment that enhances their educational experience at the College. We look forward to opening the doors of the Performing Arts Center to students during the fall of 2024.”