MUSKEGON, MI - A renowned Grand Rapids-based architectural design firm has been tapped to begin work on a proposed $15 million convention center in the heart of downtown Muskegon.

The Muskegon City Commission recently voted to engage Progressive AE to determine the size, location, amenities and costs for the convention center. Commissioners agreed to pay Progressive AE a total of $832,800 for architectural and design fees, plus other reimbursable expenses.

All related costs will be later reimbursed by Muskegon County using money collected through its 5-percent accommodations tax. The Muskegon County Board of Commissioners approved the plan to reimburse Muskegon on Jan. 30.

Bob Lukens, community development director with the county's Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the reimbursement would "further enhance the partnership between the city and county."

County and city brass have expressed an interest in placing the convention center on a portion of Fourth Street between Shoreline Drive and West Western Avenue. Progressive AE will help them determine if that's the best location. The other option is to place the center atop the downtown Holiday Inn's parking deck to the rear.

An aerial design rendering of a proposed $15 million convention center in the heart of downtown Muskegon. Design and architectural work is being handled by Grand Rapids-based Progressive AE. (Courtesy | Progressive AE)

According to a design study completed by Progressive AE, the convention center would likely:

Cost $12 million to build, financed by Muskegon-sponsored municipal bonds, with a final project cost of $15 million.

Stretch over 45,000 square feet, give or take, and measure a single story tall.

Offer parking at 895 Fourth St. or 327 Morris Ave.

Be attached to the downtown Muskegon Holiday Inn in some fashion. An early design concept for the Fourth Street option shows a bridge connecting the convention center and the second floor of the L.C. Walker Arena.

A project timeline outlined by Progressive AE assumes design work will be completed sometime this year with construction begnning in 2019. Late last year, Lukens said the convention center would likely open in 2021, if all goes according to plan.

City and county leaders hope the convention center will boost tourism throughout the year. It is also expected to help bolster sagging winter occupancy numbers for downtown and surrounding Muskegon-area hotels.

The county's reimbursement will be paid for by a 5-percent accommodations tax on rooms rented out per night at Muskegon-area hotels and lodging facilities.

Lukens said the county would also take another state-approved 4-percent self-assessment tax from the downtown Holiday Inn and the Shoreline Inn to help pay off bonds used to build the center.

Progressive AE was founded in 1962. Its headquarters are in Grand Rapids, satellite offices are in Muskegon and Charlotte, N.C.

Its body of work includes multiple projects in Grand Rapids, including the expansion and renovation of DeVos Place, architecture work for the Grand Action Downtown Market, and site development work for the Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.