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Council approves demolition plan for former Cox Convention Center as part of MAPS arena project
Summary
Council approved the municipal facilities authority items authorizing demolition work on the former Cox Convention Center site; the demolition scope covers the building proper, parts of the parking deck and ancillary structures, with a six‑month construction schedule and steps to limit traffic impacts during work.
The council approved municipal facilities authority items authorizing demolition of the former Cox Convention Center, a key early step in the city’s plan to build a new arena on that block.
David Todd, MAPS program manager, introduced the demolition package and said the work is the first major milestone in preparing the site for the new arena. Rob O’Keefe, architect of record with TVS, detailed the demolition scope, schedule and traffic controls.
O’Keefe said the demolition package covers full removal of the building proper, partial removal and temporary capping of an underground pedestrian tunnel, demolition of an overhead pedestrian bridge to the adjacent hotel and salvage of architectural elements where feasible. He noted an underground parking deck that extends beyond the building perimeter and identified a single construction entrance on the west and exit to the east to limit neighborhood disruption. The team said it will work with the contractor to preserve two rail car stops, protect identified trees where possible, and minimize lane closures and other traffic impacts during peak commuting hours.
The schedule shown to council calls for a pre‑bid conference on Feb. 20, a demolition bid opening on March 5, a council recommendation on March 25 and notice to proceed around March 26; O’Keefe said the demolition contract is expected to take about six months, with completion targeted for Sept. 30. Todd and staff said they will coordinate traffic management, dust and noise mitigation and right‑of‑way protections during the work.
Council approved the associated items (MFA items A‑F) by voice vote. The presentation and approval clears a path to solicit bids and award the demolition contract as the next administrative steps.
