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West Bend tourism commission reopens Hunden Partners convention-center study; commissioners urge keeping project on master-plan radar
Summary
Commissioners discussed a two-year-old Hunden Partners executive summary on a convention center and hotel, agreed the study should remain under consideration for the city master plan, and noted financing would require outside partners and tools such as TIF or hotel tax.
The West Bend City Tourism Commission revisited a Hunden Partners executive summary on a proposed convention center and (potentially attached) hotel during its Jan. 13 meeting, with commissioners agreeing the study should remain on municipal planning radars rather than become a commission-led project.
Speaker 1 introduced the topic and said the commission does not need to decide immediately. Speaker 2 said the study ‘‘spelled out the fact that there is a need for an additional ... large venue for events’’ and recommended incorporating the concept into the upcoming master-plan update to attract potential private partners. Speaker 4 said, “I see a need for a conference center. I don't see a need for another hotel,” and raised concerns about parking and an imperative that existing hotels invest in upgrades.
Commissioners noted potential financing tools referenced in the study — tax-increment financing and hotel tax — and said major outside partners or a national operator would likely be necessary to execute the project. Several members emphasized the tourism commission's role is to keep the study visible and provide information to city staff and the common council rather than to lead development or commit funding.
No formal direction to pursue funding or property was taken at the meeting.
