Rendering provided by Ball State University.
News Release
MUNCIE — Ball State University will celebrate a milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Performing Arts Center and The Cantio Hotel at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. The event will be held at the corner of McKinley and Ashland Avenues, featuring remarks from University and community leaders.
The Performing Arts Center and The Cantio Hotel are key elements of the University’s Village revitalization project, designed to transform the area into a vibrant district for arts, culture, and innovation. The 65,000-square-foot Performing Arts Center will serve as a dedicated space for Ball State Theatre and Dance students, featuring a 450-seat main stage theatre, a black box studio, and state-of-the-art production facilities. With more than 160 performances anticipated annually, the center is expected to draw more than 35,000 visitors each year.
“I am grateful to celebrate the construction of this transformative project, which will nurture the artistic growth of our Theatre and Dance students while enriching The Village and the broader Muncie community,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “The Performing Arts Center and The Cantio Hotel represent our commitment to create a vibrant district that combines arts, education, and hospitality for students, faculty and staff, residents, and visitors alike.”
Developed by Schahet Hotels LLC, The Cantio Hotel will offer a distinctive boutique experience connected to the Performing Arts Center. With 97 guest rooms, the hotel will feature an upscale restaurant serving expertly crafted American classics, a chic rooftop bar with savory artisanal pizzas, and a cozy ground-floor café offering gourmet coffee and baked goods. Additional amenities include an intimate meeting and private dining space, an on-site exercise room, and a lobby gift shop.
The Cantio Hotel is projected to create more than 120 jobs and generate more than $8 million in local spending each year, further boosting Muncie’s economy and enhancing the experience for visitors attending performances and events in The Village. Construction on the Performing Arts Center and The Cantio Hotel is expected to be completed in Summer 2026.
“We are pleased to announce The Cantio Hotel coming to Ball State University’s campus. This project goes beyond the typical university hotel experience, offering much more than just a place to stay,” said Greg Schahet, president and CFO of Schahet Hotels. “The Cantio and its restaurants will transform not only Ball State’s campus but also become the heart of all entertainment in the Muncie community.”
The broader Village revitalization project includes phased developments through 2027, introducing residential options that include for-sale townhomes and apartments, as well as retail and dining establishments. A key component will be the Center for Innovation, which is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning for students, faculty, and community members alike.
Community members are invited to join the Nov. 14 groundbreaking celebration. Parking will be available in the McKinley Avenue Parking Garage, accessible via North Calvert Street.
