Conceptual renderings of the $52 million Monroe Convention Center expansion are before the body tasked with completing the project.
At a Wednesday meeting, the Capital Improvement Board looked over three design proposals titled City, Quarry and Go Big.
Read more: CIB selects east option for convention center expansion
The City rendering is more traditional, matching the current convention center. The Quarry design mimics a limestone quarry with a crane awning trellis. And the Go Big design is dynamic with a cantilever roof line and more windows.
Members gravitated toward the Go Big design, with a mix of the Big City elements – but with a possible limestone facade inside that can be seen from outside.
Board Member Jay Baer described that design as a public relations decision. He said a design that doesn’t match other downtown buildings creates ”Instagram-able” moments for those attending a conference and would catch the eye of those passing by. It also has more windows connecting those outside to what’s going on inside.
The floor layout is the same for the three exterior designs with a flexible large hall that could seat 2,000 people for a meal, or four basketball courts for a tournament. It would also include up to 14 smaller breakout rooms.
That leaves a 450-person dining space in the current center to be renovated after the expansion is built.
A truck staging area is designed off College Avenue due to a large sewer pipe that would be difficult to move. The design would allow the pipe to remain with a ramp for loading trucks.
Three interested hoteliers submitted proposals, but no other details were given. A committee will now evaluate the proposals and hold interviews Sept. 4 with the board.
The master schedule update includes final design stage to be complete by the end of the year, construction bidding in the spring, and two years of construction to begin in June.
Board President John Whikehart said the group needs to over-communicate the convention center expansion process citing groups and members of the public not aware of their progress.
A public forum is set for Sept. 16.
