Demolition of the downtown Midland Center will begin Monday, Feb. 13 with a ceremonial groundbreaking that will mark the building’s future transformation.
City officials will gather at approximately 2:30 p.m. at the site of the Midland Center to mark the beginning of the demolition of the current building, which is expected to last through June. Construction of the new Midland Center is expected to begin this summer and will be completed by the summer of 2019.
The new Midland Center will have the ability to hold three large events at the same time and increase meeting space by 60 percent. Midland Center officials have reported that the Midland Center in its current state lost 359 events in a three-year time span due to inadequate space.
The Midland Center project, including demolition, is estimated to cost up to $42.84 million in hotel-motel tax dollars, which are paid by visitors staying in Midland hotels and can only be used to promote tourism in accordance with state law. These funds cannot be used for general fund expenses, such as police equipment or street maintenance.
Demolition during this phase will also include the Centennial Plaza fountain and amphitheater stage. Officials have arranged for plaques from these areas to be kept in storage during the demolition and construction phases of the project, and Centennial Plaza is expected to also be renovated at a later date.
Road closures are expected to take place through the entirety of the project along Main Street, Wall Street, and Texas Avenue. City staff will work with downtown business owners to minimize inconvenience and disruption during demolition and construction.
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Media Contact: Public Information Officer Sara Bustilloz