CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Crews are preparing to begin work on Phase Two of the multi million dollar renovation project at the Charleston Civic Center.
Work has moved to the Lee Street side of the building. Plans are to demolish the backside of the arena.
Phase Two of the project includes constructing new loading docks, a new kitchen and meeting rooms above the atrium and ballroom space.
The first phase is nearing completion now that a new lobby at the Clendenin Street entrance to the mall has been built.
John Robertson, general manager at the Civic Center, said they’ve hosted events throughout the renovation and haven’t had any issues.
“We’ve had events all winter and the construction really hasn’t hampered folks from coming in,” he said.
The Civic Center has had back-to-back events, Robertson said.
“One thing after another here at the Charleston Civic Center. I believe in the month of February we were booked in the Coliseum 22 days of 28 and in March we’re booked about 23 days during the month, so this is a very active place,” he said.
The most recent event held at the Civic Center was the The Mountain East Conference basketball tournament.
“It’s been a long standing event. We’re very interested in keeping it here,” Robertson said.
Robertson predicted the new space will attract more conventions and make a major impact on city’s revenue.
In total, the project will cost around $92.3 million.
The project is scheduled to be complete by September 2018.