Cobo Expansion
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Actual Cobo renovations would cost $425 million, but the price tag also includes buying the center from Detroit, paying existing debts and creating a fund to subsidize its operations. Space would be increased by replacing the auditorium and rooms nearest the river with more exhibition room. In addition, Cobo Arena would be demolished. A climate-controlled enclosed walkway would connect to the Renaissance Center and a skywalk would link the Sheraton Detroit Pontchartrain.
There have been many plans presented and pulled regarding Cobo Exhibition Hall in downtown Detroit. The problem stems from the exhibition hall only being 700,000 sq ft and nowdays most major cities have halls over 1 million. The proposal on the table would add another 270,000 sq ft and keep the North American Auto Show here in Detroit for years to come. Detroit could then use this additional space to allure other companies looking to showcase products or hold conferences. Cobo Hall would be torn down which is fine with me since its rarely used anymore. I am content with the plan except for the "Climate Controlled Walk" that would connect with the Ren Cen. Last nite when I read the original article it stated that the walk would be elevated over Hart Plaza but this morning it was cleaned up to reflect what you read below. Either the editor said that is the stupidest thing they ever heard of or they are trying to hide what will really happen. No developer in their right mind would put an elevated walkway across the plaza that overlooks Canada and the heart of the city. Put it on ground level but don't mess with my skyline.
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http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/METRO/612050384
The proposed 270,000-square-foot expansion would be paid for by extending hotel and liquor taxes that paid for the center's face-lift in the 1980s. Those taxes are set to end in 2015. Michigan's counties would have to give up their share of the tax's future proceeds in exchange for $233 million.
Posted by mardenhill 12/05/2006 08:58:00 AM
Labels: Detroit
