Dollars sought to build center

Tourism officials are asking Augusta commissioners to use "conventional" wisdom and seek funding for a downtown exhibition center.

Last week, City Administrator Fred Russell provided his list of projects slated for the latest proposed special purpose local option sales tax. Omitted from the list was the oft-talked-about exhibition and trade center envisioned for Reynolds Street that would provide space for large conventions.

"We're not giving up," said Barry White, the executive director of the Augusta Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Obviously we think (the tax) is a good way to fund this."

Mr. Russell provided a tax proposal totaling $139.9 million Thursday. The majority of the funds are going to a new judicial center, replacing the law enforcement center and relocating the sheriff's office.

Cut from the tax was a new library, a performing arts center and the exhibition center, which has been discussed since 1999.

Mr. White said he plans to speak with the commissioners in hopes they will vote to place the exhibition center back on the list.

An exhibition center would raise "hard dollars" for the city to the tune of $1.4 million in sales tax a year, Mr. White said. In addition, the center would have a $25 million impact on surrounding businesses, including new jobs and more tourism, he said.

Commissioners have about 30 days to establish their plan for the tax measure and secure it for the November ballot, Mr. Russell said.

The proposed $24.4 million center would contain 86,000 square feet with two large rooms with an open floor plan and 30-foot ceilings, Mr. White said. The convention space itself would be about 40,000 square feet and could accommodate groups that may have previously avoided Augusta because of size constraints at other facilities. This center could handle boat shows, trade shows and banquets with a guest list exceeding 900 people, he said.

A five-floor parking deck is also planned, which accounts for about $5 million of the cost.

The building would be connected to the Radisson Riverfront Hotel Augusta, the Country Suites Riverwalk Augusta and the city-owned conference center, Mr. White said.

An exhibition center would be "the third leg on the stool" for the area, with hotel rooms and the conference center adding the other stability.

Commissioner Tommy Boyles said he has supported an exhibition center since discussions started, but added that he is hesitant to increase the cost of Mr. Russell's recommendations.

As commissioners continue to meet and discuss the options, Mr. Boyles said other ideas could come up.

One possibility is funding an exhibition center with revenue bonds, he said.

Don't expect an exhibition center soon, however. Even if it gets on the tax proposal, residents could always vote it down. The project's cost doesn't include any land acquisitions needed to purchase the space on Reynolds Street, Mr. White said.

George Harrison, the owner of the Boll Weevil and Beamie's at the River, has property where the exhibition center has been proposed.

When discussions got serious about two years ago, Mr. Harrison postponed plans to convert a warehouse on the space to condos or apartments. He'll continue to wait.

"I think it's a good use for the property, and I think it will be good for the area," he said.

Reach Tony Lombardo at (706) 823-3227 or tony.lombardo@augustachronicle.com.