Long-awaited Plans Will Nearly Double Boise (Idaho) Centre Space
February 11, 2014
After a long-awaited time, the Boise (Idaho) Centre, the city’s convention center, will be getting some additional space, with plans to nearly double the 50,000 square feet now available.
The Greater Boise Auditorium District has agreed to purchase adjacent space to the existing center that will allow it to expand by 43,000 sq. ft., including a 15,000 square-foot ballroom, 7,000 square-foot commercial kitchen and an additional 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting room space and 7,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space.
“After years of exploring expansion scenarios, it appears we’ve finally come upon a unique solution that meets the requirements of the market and creates exciting opportunities for us and for Boise,” said District Vice Chairman Hy Kloc.
A letter of intent has been signed with the project’s developer, The Gardner Company, which recently completed construction of Idaho’s tallest building - the Zions Bank Building - across the street from the Boise Centre.
According to District officials, the center has operated at capacity for several years. “Current bookings have forced the District to turn away conventions and have prevented the Centre from pursuing larger and more lucrative events,” they said.
A recent study by Conventions, Sports, & Leisure International projects that with this expansion, Boise will compete for 70 percent of the convention market, instead of the current 20 percent it now goes after.
District projections, based on formulas from a 2012 Boise State University study, estimate that the annual total economic impact of conventions locally will climb from $20.7 million in 2013 to $69 million by 2023.
The cost of the project will be approximately $25.2 million, funded by hotel taxes, and completion is projected to be in 2016.
“The proposed expansion plans will allow Boise to accommodate more visitors, and in turn, more people will be able to discover the magic of the Boise Valley,” said Boise Mayor Dave Bieter.
Partner Voices
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