City to release initial design of proposed convention center

Following its third and final visioning workshop last week, the city of Springfield is set to unveil an initial design for the proposed downtown convention and events center. 

Populous Inc., a Kansas City-based architecture firm hired by the city for the project, is scheduled to release the initial design at 10 a.m. on March 13 at the Discovery Center of Springfield's fourth-floor gallery, according to a news release.

“I’m excited that we have reached this point in the process of reimagining the Springfield Expo Center as a true civic center, and how it can serve our community now and in the years to come,” said Tim Rosenbury, director of quality of place initiatives for the city of Springfield, in the release. “I want to thank those who offered their time so far to participate in the community visioning to date. Their participation and input are helping us create an initial concept and vision that we think incorporates your voices, wishes and dreams, and ensures that this facility would be future-proofed for generations to come.”

On April 7, voters will consider an additional 3% tax on hotel, motel and short-term rental accommodations to help pay for the convention and events center.

The convention center's cost is estimated at $175 million, and additional land acquisition expenses would bring the total up to $205 million. The city is awaiting a $30 million state allocation, for which Gov. Mike Kehoe has the sole authority to release before June 30.