Project Lead Named for Cultural Campus at Historic Fort

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The development and renovation project of the Arts for Lawrence’s Cultural Campus at Fort Benjamin Harrison has been awarded to a neighboring business, Envoy Inc.  The construction and property management firm has been selected as the construction partner for the first phase of the arts facility, including the renovation of the Theater at the Fort.

As part of the endeavor, Envoy will oversee the renovation and relocation of a historic building on the former military base for the creation of a visual arts facility.

“The Cultural Campus will put Fort Harrison on the map as an arts destination,” said Judy Byron, executive director of arts for Lawrence. “This is the natural next step in the continued redevelopment of Fort Harrison. It’s meaningful to have a community member as a part of the development.” 

The city of Lawrence received a $5.8 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative Strengthening Indianapolis through Arts and Cultural Innovation.

Byron says the first phase of the Fort Ben Cultural Campus includes facility upgrades and cosmetic repairs to the Theater at the Fort.

The project also includes improvements to the adjacent Sterrett Center Community Center.

“Investment in quality of life initiatives, such as the arts and community spaces, help to drive economic development and growth,” said Scott Baldwin, president of Envoy. “The new Cultural Campus will only further the appeal of Lawrence Village at the Fort.”

Envoy and the project partners are currently finalizing the design plans and are expected to start construction in Dec. 2019.