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Designs and timeline for downtown conference center presented; bookings expected to begin in late 2027
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Summary
AP3 representatives showed site and floor plans for the downtown conference center, outlining a connected vestibule to the Paramount, a 6,000 sq ft lobby, 7,700 sq ft configurable meeting space, a commercial-grade kitchen, 87 backstage parking spaces, and a construction timeline with vertical work starting June and bookings targeted for fall 2027.
Designers from AP3 presented the Ashland conference center project to the commission, showing renderings, site plans and technical construction documents.
Jake Schimer briefed the commission on construction progress and schedule, saying prior buildings have been demolished and caisson work begins next month with vertical construction planned in June. "Bookings are going to begin fall-ish of '27," he said, noting the design team and operator Venue Works have planned circulation and food-service sequencing.
Architectural details shown by Monica Sumner emphasized a connection to the Paramount via a vestibule and a front glass elevation facing Winchester Avenue. Key features described included a 6,000 square-foot lobby intended for registration and pre-function activities, an 87-space parking lot accessed from Carter Avenue, truck loading and shared loading with the Paramount, and a back-of-house configuration to support food and beverage operations.
Meeting and ballroom space: Sumner walked commissioners through divisible meeting rooms (1,780 sq ft each) that can combine to a roughly 7,700 sq ft meeting room; the second floor includes ballrooms A and B (about 4,000 sq ft each) and a primary banquet kitchen with mezzanine storage (about 5,000 sq ft). The design includes an escalator to move people quickly between floors and a freight elevator sized for large event needs.
Commissioners asked technical questions about loading circulation, square footage for ballrooms and back-of-house access; staff indicated the project remains on a construction timeline but also noted the city will need to plan for first‑years operating losses. Director Beach said conference center reserves exist from bond proceeds and CDs (unrestricted fund balance noted), but operating costs in early years will likely require general‑fund support.
Naming rights and operations: Commissioners discussed starting a request‑for‑proposals process for naming rights and asked when that should begin; staff suggested a one-month window to prepare RFP materials now that renderings are available. AP3 suggested marketing should begin within a month to meet booking needs. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate a community tour and provide more granular schedules and cost details at future meetings.
What’s next: Staff will coordinate naming‑rights RFP timing, marketing lead time with Venue Works, and provide commissioners with further details on the operating cost assumptions and funding plan before final adoption of related budget items.
