Improvements to make Albuquerque more competitive in attracting conventions, offering more options for local residents
Albuquerque, NM – As part of Mayor Richard J. Berry overall plan to reinvest in the future of our city, in September he announced a way to give the Albuquerque Convention Center a facelift in order to attract more convention and tourism to Albuquerque.
The plan is the first phase of a larger $55 million plan and includes dramatic changes to the front face of the building as well as modern upgrades to the building built in 1972.
Funding for the upgrades became available through a series of strategic financing moves which lowered interest rates on existing bond debts. During the Aug. 15 City Council meeting, Councilors unanimously approved the moves paving the way for the City to begin the process of getting the work started.
More Competitive
These changes will help makeAlbuquerquemore competitive in attracting conventions to our city and will allow more options for local residents.
“We want theAlbuquerqueConvention Centerto be a major driving force inNew Mexico’s overall tourism picture,” MayorBerrysaid. “Albuquerque’s impact on tourism within the region will be strengthened with these improvements.”
New Exterior; Improvements to Interior
The proposed improvements to theAlbuquerqueConvention Centerinclude new exterior facades, new kitchen equipment, carpet replacement, paint, and new lighting and furniture. The total cost of the first phase of improvements is approximately $20 million.
ABQ the Plan is a long term strategic plan to invest inAlbuquerque’s future. Other current ABQ the Plan initiatives currently include improvements to the I-25 and Paseo del Norte Interchange, a multi-sports complex, bus-rapid-transit lanes on Central Ave., river enhancements, and improvements and connectivity to the city’s bike trail system among others.
