HARLINGEN — The convention center might come with a bigger price tag than $14.8 million.
Today, city commissioners are expected to meet with members of the Harlingen Community Improvement Board to consider additional expenses that could boost construction costs by as much as $1.75 million.
The city would dip into the Community Improvement Board’s sales tax revenue and hotel occupancy tax revenue to fund the additional expenses.
During months of planning, commissioners proposed features and accents aimed at making the 43,700-square-foot building “the convention center of choice in the Valley,” City Manager Dan Serna said yesterday.
“We want to this to be a first class facility,” Serna said.
The additional expenses are expected to include fill dirt to level the construction site to improve drainage.
In meetings with architects, commissioners requested brick exterior replace a stucco façade.
Commissioners also proposed a 5,600-square-foot pavilion to stand near the convention center’s entry way.
The gazebo would host outdoor events such as weddings and live entertainment.
An expanded porte-chere would cover the building’s entrance.
“It’s more like an unloading, loading zone and drive area,” Serna said. “It’s safer with more visibility for people. You have a lot of people crossing.”
Commissioners also proposed a fountain stand near the building’s entrance.
A boulevard-style entry way would include a roundabout feature allowing for smooth traffic flow.
Commissioners also proposed accents to give the building a “South Texas flair” such as tall arched windows.
While the city funds construction of the convention center, San Antonio-based BC Lynd Hospitality would build an attached 150-room Hilton Garden Inn on eight acres at the corner of Brazil Road and Teege Avenue.
The city expects to close the sale with land owner Ezequiel Reyna by early next week, Serna said.
Serna said groundbreaking is expected within 45 days.
As part of a finance plan, the city will use $9.7 million generated through the Community Improvement Board’s sales tax and $3.8 million in hotel occupancy tax revenue to pay off the debt.
The city also will use $1.96 million from property tax revenue generated through Harlingen’s three tax increment financing reinvestment zones.
