Savannah convention center to double in size (Atlanta: hotel, theater)

[Airforceguy]

The state is hoping to begin the expansion next summer. I think this expansion, along with the new Omni Hotel will truly cement Savannah's place as one of the top convention destinations in the Southeast.
Savannah Convention Center Expansion-Savannah by brandon walker, on Flickr

Savannah Convention Center Expansion-Savannah by brandon walker, on Flickr

Now, an expansion would add 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 42,000-square-foot ballroom, 14 new meeting rooms and a public parking garage, according to a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the construction manager. The project also includes new entry plazas and “architecturally exposed” structural steel supports. And, the new ballroom would include a large roof terrace.

“A lot of our social events have outgrown the ballroom,” Spinks said.

The project is estimated to cost $166 million, but the construction manager will hone in on the actual budget, Spinks said.

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/...e-in-size.html

[masonbauknight]

Savannah's developmental headwinds are very strong. And I repeat: If Georgia's other second-tier cities had just half of the future projects Savannah actually has in its pipeline, they'd wet their pants. (Yes, that includes Augusta, the state's second-largest city.)

[Airforceguy]

Originally Posted by masonbauknight

Savannah's developmental headwinds are very strong. And I repeat: If Georgia's other second-tier cities had just half of the future projects Savannah actually has in its pipeline, they'd wet their pants. (Yes, that includes Augusta, the state's second-largest city.)

I agree 100%, Savannah is on another level when it comes to development. I would go so far to say that some cities twice the size of Savannah would love to have half of the projects planned for Savannah.

[masonbauknight]

Originally Posted by Airforceguy

I agree 100%, Savannah is on another level when it comes to development. I would go so far to say that some cities twice the size of Savannah would love to have half of the projects planned for Savannah.

Yes to "cities twice Savannah's size." All this new stuff amazes me as a Savannah boy from way back when.

[ajc100890]

Do we have any more details on plans for the OMNI?

[Airforceguy]

Originally Posted by ajc100890

Do we have any more details on plans for the OMNI?

The only info I know of is from an article in December 2016 that stated the hotel would be 300 rooms and that construction would begin in either late 2018 or early 2019.

[CoastalGAGuy]

Let's hope they're planning on adding some serious parking, seeing as how they'll be eating into the existing parking area for the new development.

[Airforceguy]

Originally Posted by CoastalGAGuy

Let's hope they're planning on adding some serious parking, seeing as how they'll be eating into the existing parking area for the new development.

The article in Atlanta Business Chronicle stated a new parking garage would be built. Hopefully, they will build it large enough for both the hotel and for the expanded convention center.

[bellhead]

Any room for a 25k seat outdoor amphitheater?

[CoastalGAGuy]

Originally Posted by bellhead

Any room for a 25k seat outdoor amphitheater?

That one's easy. Neither physically nor in the budget.