ACCA Presents New Convention Center Concept Plan

ALBANY, NY (12/05/2008)(readMedia)-- Governor Paterson recently committed to provide $10 Million in Empire State Development grant funds for the advancement of the Convention Center Project. The Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA) also outlined a new Convention Center Project concept plan, which significantly reduces the cost to the taxpayer while maintaining its commitment to build a 266,000 square foot facility. The plan separates the convention facility, parking garage and hotel into three distinct elements.

This new plan follows Governor Paterson's initiative to reduce State spending on important capital projects by encouraging private investment in publicly sponsored projects. The ACCA, working with its consultant team, developed the new plan, which combines public investment in the convention facilities with an opportunity for development of the hotel in partnership with the private sector. The plan is consistent with the adopted master plan, the findings of the SEQRA environmental impact statement and the HVS market study.

Governor Paterson's vision to provide the ACCA with $10 million, of the $75 million previously appropriated to the Empire State Development Corporation for the Convention Facilities, will permit the advancement of pre-construction planning, land acquisition, environmental investigation, archeology and historic conservation over the next twelve to eighteen months.

Segmenting the convention center project into distinctly unique structures of an exhibition hall/meeting space, full service hotel, and parking facility, the ACCA will significantly reduce overall cost and taxpayer obligation by greatly simplifying construction, while providing for a private hotel on Broadway. By taking full advantage of this historically significant Albany address, the plan also establishes vital retail opportunities adjacent to the parking facility to be located across from SUNY Plaza and orients the convention center toward the Hudson River reinforcing that key tie to Albany's past and its future potential.

"On behalf of the Albany Convention Center Authority Board, I would like to thank Governor Paterson for his leadership and continued support of this important economic stimulus project and the significant benefit it represents to the Capital Region," said ACCA Chair Gavin Donohue.

This new approach is the result of the combined efforts of the project team led by HNTB Architects and the joint venture of Gilbane/BBL as Construction Manager, in consultation with the ACCA Board and staff.

The plan information will be available on the website: www.accany.com

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