Bids to be opened June 28 for more work at PCCC

Bids for another phase of renovations to the Prairie Capital Convention Center will be opened June 28.

That third phase, expected to cost $2 million to $2.5 million, will include concession stand demolition and rebuilding on the main floor; demolition of mezzanine-level bathrooms to be replaced by larger ones; addition of wheelchair seating areas on the mezzanine; and some electrical and water pipe work.

Brian Oaks, general manager of the building, said the work will also include significant painting on the main floor, to replace all the blue and raspberry around for years with more neutral tones.

Bidding contractors will be asked for a base price for much of the work, but also separate estimates for three additional elements that can be included in the third phase. One is to polish the main floor concrete, which Oaks said would be an advanced selling point for convention business. The other optional elements are to install enhanced flooring in new concession areas and to update all four, instead of just two, mezzanine bathroom areas.

The full cost of the renovation is expected to be $16.2 million, including $5 million from the city of Springfields tax-increment financing fund; $4 million the center has received from the state; and $5.2 million in bonds already sold by the center. The rest of the funding could come from more bond sales or sponsorships that could include naming rights.

Outside work

While work has been progressing for nearly a year, Oaks noted that most of it has been inside the building. But now workers are expanding the driveway and loading-dock area along Ninth Street to create more room for additional buses or service personnel. Concrete pillars there will get a brick faade, and along with iron fencing, will provide better security. Some landscaping will also be added.

We want to make that side of the facility more attractive, he said.

Major work that the public will notice is expected to come in a fourth phase that should start in October. It will take more than a year and will include a major expansion of the lobby, additions of main hall bathrooms, completion of lower-level meeting room updates, and construction of north and south food courts.

That phase, Oaks said, will create the biggest headaches in working around events

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Bids to be opened June 28 for more work at PCCC