CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The renovation of the Charleston Civic Center, discussed for several years, will soon be underway.
“We’ve had to do our homework, but I think we’re about to see a lot of dust flying,” said John Robertson, the civic center’s general manager.
The city awarded an $82 million contract for the renovation, which will be completed in phases over the next two years to allow portions of the facility to remain open during construction.
The civic center opened in 1959 with an addition in 1965. The coliseum was completed in 1980, and the original building, which is now the exhibition hall, was renovated in 1983. A $10 million renovation in 2000 expanded the exhibition space and eliminated an ice rink.
“The first phase is the construction of the new lobby at the Clendenin Street entrance to the mall and the replacement of the mechanical plant on the Lee Street side of the building,” said Robertson. “So the first thing you’re going to notice is the demolition of that large set of steps coming from the back of the 5th Quarter area toward the mall.”
Robertson predicted the new space will attract more conventions and make a major impact on city’s revenue.
“It’s really going to put us in position to be marketed as a regional and national convention center. What we’ve had in the past is a civic center that’s done many things for many people, but it hasn’t been a true convention center.”
Funding comes from a special half-cent sales tax in a district of downtown Charleston.