DECATUR, Ill. (AP) — Millikin University in Decatur plans to break ground next year on a $25 million Center for Theatre and Dance.

The Herald & Review reports the building is expected to open in the fall of 2020. It will allow the private university to consolidate facilities, with offices, studios, classrooms and a theater under one roof. The center also will accommodate a growing number of students in the School of Theatre and Dance.

Mary Black is the school's director. She says its enrollment has increased 42 percent in the past five years. Almost 250 students are currently enrolled in the theatre and dance programs.

University President Patrick White says the new building is necessary to sustain that growth and success.

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