CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With helmets on their heads and shovels in hand, city officials scooped up the first pieces of dirt at a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for the Charleston Civic Center’s $90 million renovation project.
John Robertson, general manager of the facility, said they will operate as normal during the construction process, so spectators attending their events won’t be impacted by work areas.
“We will continue to have all the same kind of events we’ve been having. In fact, we already have things booked through the process, entertainment things, that will happen in the Coliseum that will be virtually unaffected,” he said.
BBL Carlton, the design firm chosen last month, will create an overhead walkway from the Charleston Town Center Mall, expanded conference room spaces, lobbies and a ballroom with a grand staircase facing the Elk River. The terrace leading to the river would allow the facility to stage events closer to the water.
“We’re going to draw upon our topography, geography and natural resources, so that when people come to a meeting in the facility that aren’t anywhere except the hotel and here, they’re going to know they’ve been to Charleston, West Virginia,” said Robertson.
Robertson emphasized the project is “100% City of Charleston,” all paid for by sales tax from the city alone.
“This is the first time we’ve had any significant money to spend. The demands of the market place have changed, really now, we’re going to be in the position of being able to be marketable to conventions and meetings that are on a more regional, national basis.”
Demolition will begin in phases starting at the intersection of Civic Center Drive and Clendenin Street and the Lee Street parking lot in August. Construction of a new lobby space will then start in September and last about six months.
The project is expected to be completed by 2017.