Cobo Expansion Plans To Be Unveiled
DETROIT (WWJ) - More details are expected at 10 am on the $300 million renovation and expansion project for Cobo Center. It was a deal promised after Detroit relinquished control to a regional authority two years ago.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson says the expansion will happen without a multi-billion-dollar commitment.
"There's a 25,000 square foot corner that'll (be made) available now for show space," Patterson told WWJ Newsradio 950. "It's a little notch in the floor plan. We can take that notch out, open that up and create some more exhibit space, that's something we can handle from a cost point of view."
The project should be finished in time for the 2012 North American International Auto Show and those who run the show are eagerly awaiting word on the Cobo expansion plans.
WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert is reporting that after the success of this year's show, organizers are again in need of more space. Several manufacturers returned this year. Nissan will be back next year and others would just like more space.
Those who run the show say they've already seen infrastructure and behind-the-scenes improvement. And those have been a big help. But, as the economy improves and more companies want to push their vehicles, they want to make sure that they can meet those needs.
Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for live reports on plans to expand Cobo and check back with CBS Detroit.com for complete coverage as details are released.
