A site has been selected for a new $120m convention centre in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska. According to a feasibility study, the convention centre could impact economic output annually by $18.5m in total, supporting 230 jobs and generating nearly $1.3m in tax revenue per year.
The selected site is on the south edge of downtown directly across from the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel. It is also within walking distance of major Lincoln cultural attractions such as the Nebraska History Museum, the Lied Center for the Performing Arts, and the Lincoln Children’s Museum.
Construction plans include a 25,000- to 30,000sq.ft. multipurpose event hall, 20,000sq.ft of supporting ballroom and meeting space, and pre-function and outdoor events spaces.
Assemble Lincoln, Lancaster County’s standing committee overseeing the development of Lincoln’s Downtown Convention Center, announced that the Garfield Public/Private site near S. 13th and M streets will be the selected location for the new centre. The decision follows two feasibility studies.
The project is a partnership involving state government leaders from Governor Jim Pillen’s office, state senators from the Nebraska Legislature, Congressman Mike Flood’s office, Lancaster County, Assemble Lincoln, Legends, Populous and Clark & Enersen and other community partners.
Next steps in the process include negotiations with landowners of the parcels being considered for development and drawing up a timeline of approval of the application for funding approval, as well as issuance of design and construction management RFPs.
Senator Eliot Bostar, chair of Assemble Lincoln, commented: “This milestone highlights the power of collaboration between state leadership, local and federal partners, and the private sector. This project is about more than building a new venue; it’s about driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and creating opportunities for our community to thrive. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future of expanded tourism, job creation, and regional prosperity. This is a bold step forward, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
US Congressman Mike Flood, Nebraska’s First District Representative, added: “The Garfield site will serve as a connector between the Haymarket and Downtown to the State Capitol. Congratulations to Lincoln on this exciting next step for your community.”
Jason Ball, President & CEO, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, said the announcement marked important progress towards a central element of the Vitality Lincoln Strategic Plan. “A downtown convention centre will greatly enhance our ability to attract meetings and groups to our community. This is a tremendous opportunity for the Visit Lincoln division of the Lincoln Chamber to continue growing Lincoln as a destination as the tourism economy evolves.”
For updates on the project, visit the Assemble Lincoln website at www.assemblelincoln.com.
Photo: Assemble Lincoln
