Cobo Center Upgrade Plan OK'd
A board overseeing Detroit's Cobo Center has approved a plan to renovate some areas and add up to 50,000 square feet of space. The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority voted unanimously Thursday to accept a plan's recommendations.
Proposed work includes reconfiguring the south end of the downtown convention center, extensive upgrades to other parts of the building, and larger meeting areas and ballroom space.
Authority chairman Larry Alexander tells WWJ Newsradio 950 that another must-do is to hire a nationally known arena architect
"While we think 25,000 square feed is possible, he may come in and look at it and say 'Well, there's another option here. You could consider as well,'" Alexander said.
"We have a number of different constituencies that we're trying to serve, and do it in the most cost-effective way and also a way that provides the greatest benefit and return to the entire region," he said.
Cobo is home to the North American International Auto Show, which brings millions of dollars of business into the area each year. The Detroit Auto Show Dealers has said Cobo needs to be larger if the annual event is to remain competitive.
© MMX WWJ Radio, All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
