Ball State University to Break Ground on New Performing Arts Center and Cantio Hotel, Nov. 14

Topics: Arts and Culture, College of Fine Arts, Foundation, Giving, Muncie, President, Capital Campaign, Students, Community Engagement

October 31, 2024

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, 2024. 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 mainstage 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. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by Nov. 7 to the Office of the President at [email protected] or by calling 765-285-5555.

Schahet Hotels Unveils The Cantio Hotel: First-Ever Boutique Hotel on Ball State University Campus
The new boutique hotel is set to debut in 2026, featuring a variety of unique dining options.

Schahet Hotels LLC, an Indianapolis-based hotel management and development company, today announces the construction of its new boutique hotel, The Cantio Hotel, coming to Ball State University's campus in 2026. Located on the edge of campus within The Village commercial district, the hotel is the first of its kind for the Muncie area and will feature 97 beautifully designed guest rooms, along with diverse dining options, ranging from an upscale rooftop restaurant and lounge to a cozy café. The groundbreaking celebration for the hotel will take place on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 4:30 p.m.

Connected to the new Ball State University Performing Arts Center located at 1800 W. University Avenue, on the corner of McKinley and Ashland avenues, The Cantio Hotel is an ode to the diverse group of artists, educators and benefactors who have shaped and transformed the Ball State and Muncie communities.

Guests and visitors can indulge in a variety of enticing dining options, from an upscale restaurant serving expertly crafted American classics to a chic rooftop bar with savory artisanal pizzas. An inviting ground-floor coffee shop offers an array of delectable baked goods and gourmet coffee, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. The Cantio will also feature an intimate meeting and private dining space, an on-site exercise room, a lobby gift shop, and more.

"We are pleased to announce The Cantio Hotel coming to Ball State University's campus. The project is far from 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. We can't wait for guests and neighbors to stay and dine with us."

This hotel marks Schahet Hotels' first project in Muncie, following the successful development of seven hotels in Indianapolis and surrounding suburbs. The Cantio Hotel is projected to provide a significant economic boost to Muncie, creating over 120 jobs and generating more than $8 million in local spending from hotel guests.

The new Ball State University Performing Arts Center will serve as a hub for arts and culture, entertainment, and innovation in the community. The 65,000-square-foot Performing Arts Center is expected to hold over 160 performances annually, attracting more than 35,000 attendees to the area each year. With its perfect location, The Cantio Hotel will be the ideal post-show stop for those attending events at the Performing Arts Center, creating a welcoming vibe for both locals and visitors.

"I am pleased to welcome The Cantio Hotel to our campus and our community," Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns said. "This new hotel will provide a distinctive amenity for our visitors, and it will support our growing arts and cultural scene, enriching both our University and the revitalized Village, as well as the broader Muncie community."

The Cantio Hotel is made possible with partners including RATIO and Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Construction of The Cantio Hotel will begin in November 2024, and the hotel is expected to be completed in 2026. To learn more about The Cantio Hotel and updates on construction, please follow along on Instagram.