Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium Renovation
Over the past several years, the Polk County Board of Supervisors has struggled with the future of the Polk County Convention Complex (Plex) and its role within the Iowa Events Center (IEC). Current projections show a need to spend up to $20 million to bring the aging facility back into functioning condition. As an alternative to that level of expenditure, the Board has determined to remodel the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium into a convention center, thus consolidating convention activities with the events activities at Hy-Vee Hall and Wells Fargo Arena.
Renovation of VMA will include approximately 32,875 square feet of meeting room space, 1,210 square feet of board room space and 28,739 square feet of multipurpose ballroom space. This renovation will include the construction of an additional floor in Vet’s Auditorium to accommodate the ballroom level. This space is intended to replace the aging Polk County Convention Complex (Plex).
The Plex is an aging facility that was transferred to Polk County from the City of Des Moines in July 1996. This facility is in need of millions of dollars in repairs/renovations. Of additional concern to the Board, is whether or not the Plex, considering its age and condition, can continue to remain competitive in the convention industry.
In 2008, Polk County engaged Economics Research Associates (ERA) to conduct a feasibility study of whether or not an expansion at the IEC was needed due to the age of the Plex. In April of 2009, the Board held a public meeting to receive input on two conceptual design concepts for the expansion of meeting and ballroom space at the Iowa Events Center. This space is intended to replace the aging Plex. The project moved to schematic design in November and is now in design development. The design includes adding an additional floor to accommodate a multi-use ballroom. The project is expected to be bid in September, 2010 with construction completion by January 3, 2012.
The remodeling of Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium will be paid for by extending the existing debt payment for the Events Center by four years. The debt is being paid by using gaming revenues from the lease of the Prairie Meadows facility.
For additional information contact:
Sue Elliott
Project Manager
Polk County Board of Supervisors
111 Court Avenue, Room 300
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-286-3128
Sue.Elliott@polkcountyiowa.gov