On Thursday, Joplin’s arts and entertainment non-profit Connect 2 Culture announced the groundbreaking date for the Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex in downtown Joplin. The ceremony will take place on Monday, February 1st, at 1 pm at 212 West 7th Street. The 46,000 square foot complex will be constructed on what is now the parking lot of Veteran’s Memorial Hall. The new building will include a 470-seat indoor performance hall and feature an outdoor amphitheater that will be able to accommodate up to 2,000 visitors. Connect 2 Culture and the Spiva Center for the arts will be the complex’s primary occupants once it is completed. It’s expected to be finished in late 2023 or early 2024.