Company that built MSU's Great Southern Bank Arena tapped for 2 more major projects

Editor's note: The estimated cost of the two projects was incorrect in an earlier version of the story.

The company that built the Great Southern Bank Arena will soon return to the Missouri State University campus to lead the work on two major projects.

JE Dunn Construction , which is headquartered in Kansas City, announced Thursday that it was tapped to serve as the construction manager at risk for both the new Judith Enyeart Reynolds Complex and the Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center. It will also play that role for the partial renovation of Craig Hall.

The projects are expected to start in 2025.

Founded in 1924, the company is the eighth largest domestic general building contractor in the U.S. with offices in 26 locations. It employs more than 30 graduates of Missouri State.

David Atkisson, senior project manager, said in a release that he has many ties to the university. “It is an honor as an MSU alumni to experience this full-circle moment by serving on the teams for both the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Complex and Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center projects.”

The estimated total cost for both projects is at least $55 million. The complex is expected to cost $35 million and the cost for the advancement center is at least $20 million .

The first project includes demolition of the existing Art Annex building and construction of the new 24,000-square-foot Judith Enyeart Reynolds Complex.

Once complete, it will include a lobby and reception area, black box theater, performance teaching rooms plus ancillary space.

Craig Hall will gain a scene shop addition and be partially renovated. There will be site upgrades for the buildings that are along Grand Street on the southeast corner of campus.

The new Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center will serve as the home for the Missouri State Foundation, Alumni Association, and university advancement staff.

This two-story, 28,000-square-foot facility along National Avenue will feature a lobby and reception area, a banquet hall, an executive board room, enclosed and open office spaces, multiple conference and meeting rooms of various sizes, ancillary support spaces, and an outdoor event courtyard.

“I’m thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to build what will be an important facility to help advance the growth of an already awesome culture," said Zach Blanton, project superintendent and a graduate of MSU, in the release. "To be able to do it at a place that was such a pivotal part of my own growth and development is the icing on the cake.”

The last major project the company completed on the campus was the arena in 2008.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Company that built MSU's Great Southern Bank Arena tapped for 2 more major projects