Pavledes says the study will help in his efforts to expand the 700,000-sf space that is offered at Cobo currently. "This study should push it a little more into the minds of the public. Keep in mind, though, that it's an election year for the city council, and next year for governor, so other projects may come out as more important for the city," he tells GlobeSt.com.
Cobo is currently at 85% occupancy most of the year, he says. Usually, when a convention center is at 70% occupancy, expansion talks should begin, Pavledes says. He would like to build an additional 300,000 sf onto Cobo somehow, with an expected cost of about $300 million.
"Where" is also a question, as Cobo is separated by roads, the Detroit River and the Joe Louis Arena, where the Detroit Red Wings play. "We have four-five possible alternatives. We could expand into Joe Louis, go north across Congress Street, north across Washington Street, we could build on top of the building or maybe even into the river," Pavledes says.
Expansion plans are on hold until a funding mechanism can be found, the director says.
"At this point, especially with the study coming out later this month, we should at least look at the possible sources for funding and at expansion proposals," he says.
Pavledes estimates Cobo brings about $1 billion per year to the region, and says Detroit, through new development and cleaning up its image, is earning its place again in the nation.
"It's strange, in Europe we're still known as the automotive capitol of the world. About five years ago, no one in the US outside of Detroit would want to come here. Now it's getting better, so I can go on an airplane and say I'm from Detroit, and people don't look at me strangely," he says.
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