City officials have unveiled plans for a new convention center in downtown Muskegon that promises to boost the local economy and create hundreds of new jobs. Part of a larger development that includes a recently renovated LC Walker Arena and an adjacent hotel, developers want to build the new center between the two.
Cindy Larson is the President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. She says the new convention center is all about drawing tourism to Muskegon in the non-summer months.
“This is a real game changer for Muskegon County,” Larson said. “We already have 1.7 million tourists coming here every year, but guess what? That is during summer. So we need people here year round.”
With a price tag of $17 million, city officials say Muskegon will share the costs through a partnership with the County and Parkland Properties of Michigan. According to a 2014 feasibility study found there would be a substantial return on that investment, as the new convention center would funnel over $10 million a year into the Muskegon economy.
Larson says, the convention center is another example of how the city is transforming before residents eyes.
“It is so exciting to be here, it just boggles my mind,” she said. "Even if you were here 3 months ago, you haven't been here.”
Plans are also underway to renovate the hotel as well, with construction of the convention center set to be finished by 2021. City officials say it’s the biggest investment downtown Muskegon has seen in over 30 years.
