Search
 

GlobeSt.com UPDATE: Expansion Preferred for Detroit Convention Center

DETROIT-Expansion of Cobo Convention Center is expected to cost less than $650 million, rather than the $1 billion a new, larger convention center would cost, according to a task force that studied the need for more space.

By Dan Heaton | Updated on June 09, 2004

DETROIT-Expansion has won the recommendation of a local task force studying a larger convention center in the Detroit area. The Tourism Action Group, a task force put together by the mayor and the Detroit Convention Bureau, had been studying various options about what to do with the Cobo Convention Center, which its largest client, the annual auto show, has said is too small.

Walt Watkins, the chairman of the taskforce and the chief development officer for Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, says total costs of a new facility are just too great. A new facility is expected to cost more than $1 billion. Expansion could be done for between $400 million and $650 million, Watkins says.

The mayor had been pushing for a new facility to be built, but told reporters he will abide by the recommendation of the TAG. Cobo Center has more than 2 million sf of exhibit space, but only about 700,000 sf in its largest exhibit area. For several years, the center’s largest show, the North American International Auto Show, has seen its exhibitors build two- and three-story displays, allowing the automakers to use on the order of 1.1 million sf in that space.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.