Renovations continue at Branson Convention Center hotel

Though the Branson Convention Center is up and running after sustaining damage from a February EF-2 tornado, the attached Hilton Hotel remains closed as renovations continue.

During the Feb. 29 tornado, the hotel took exterior glass damage and sustained interior - such as carpet - damage, and a portion of the hotel bar's roof was blown off.

Bill Tirone, assistant general manager for the Hiltons of Branson and the Branson Convention Center, said the hotel likely will reopen by Oct. 1. The renovation project includes replacement of approximately 3,800 panes of glass, which has reached the halfway point; repairs to the bar roof; new guest room and hallway carpeting, the latter of which is being shipped from England; new furniture; new hallway paint; and new vinyl in guest rooms.

"It really will be a totally renovated hotel when it reopens,"  said Tirone, who declined to disclose project costs.

Meanwhile, the convention center has hosted several events since it reopened in early April. Tirone said the first major post-tornado event was the Branson Collector Car Auction, held April 20-21, and events also have been held by John Hagee Ministries and the office of the Missouri State Public Defender.

Branson Convention Center event attendees currently are being encouraged to stay at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing.

Though he said damage to the convention center was "minimal," Tirone said renovations at the center aren't complete.

Most of the renovation work on the convention center - such as demolished restrooms, destroyed ceiling tiles and water-damaged carpets - were able to be replaced quickly following the storm, but the air walls dividing the exhibit halls were destroyed and had to be remanufactured, Tirone said, noting the repairs likely would finish June 1.