Commissioners honor Ogden conference center remodel, award-winning redesign

The Weber County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 24 formally recognized the recent remodel of the Ogden conference center and presented awards the project received from the Associated General Contractors of Utah and Construction & Design Magazine. Conference center staff described an 18-phase renovation that began in October 2023 and included major HVAC, AV and lighting upgrades while the facility continued hosting events.

Cassie, a conference center staff member who led the presentation, said the team managed a complex schedule while keeping the facility open: "We started in actually October 2023 was our very 1st phase of the project...this is like a big jigsaw puzzle" and reported the center held more than 500 events during the remodel. VCBO principal Phil Hatterley said the design team aimed to enhance the facility’s character and long-term usability: "Our goal is to create spaces for people to thrive," he said. Rob Burch, vice president at Hogan Construction, summarized the coordination challenges: "I would consider this project, the best way to describe it was a big dance."

Commissioners praised the outcome and the operating strategy that kept events and tourism revenue flowing during construction. Commissioner Jim Harvey told the room the county invested "nearly $20,000,000" in the facility and said the project supports tourism that helps fund parks and other county operations. The board invited staff and contractors for a group photo and gave formal thanks to the project team.