Mt. Vernon Register-News

Local

November 29, 2011

Council hears study concerning center

BY ALLEN PARKER allen.parker@register-news.com

A feasibility study says the Mt. Vernon City Council should continue to look into an exhibition center.

Phase II of the study, conducted by Destination Development International, would further determine the economic feasibility and require a vote by the council to proceed.

“We can come to some determination with numbers in-house to help determine if we want to take a hard look at it,” said City Manager Ron Neibert.

The study’s bottom line assessment stated an active, well-run exhibition center would improve tourism numbers, add tax revenue, revitalize peripheral spending and attract visitors, who may later return to the city or even relocate to Mt. Vernon.

An exhibition center as a destination facility, according to the study, will typically host three types of events:  Flat floor trade shows, consumer events and civic events. For these purposes, the study recommended a 60,000-square-foot facility with additional space for storage, offices, restrooms and a catering kitchen. STudy organizers estimated local construction costs at an estimated $7.2 to $8.2 million, not including land, infrastructure and parking.

The study found “considerable regional market competition.”

Mt. Vernon Tourism Director Bonnie Jerdon said in her overview of the report there is considerable interest in our area, “for these types of events. I think we’re in a competitive position.”

Jerdon also said for the facility to become successful and competitive, creative management of floor space would be imperative.

“We would need to be very flexible to make it successful,” Jerdon said.

The study recommended the exploration of possible public/private partnerships to minimize capital costs for the city.

“We have received interest from some hotel owners for such a venture,” said Jerdon.

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