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Downtown Amarillo: New Development Project Takes Form This Fall

www.city-data.com

Three jewels, totaling $113 million, will be added to the crown of downtown Amarillo. They are: a $69.3 million convention center hotel, $30.3 million multi-purpose event venue, and $13.4 million parking garage.  The Amarillo Globe-News reported they will be constructed in the vicinity of City Hall and the Amarillo Civic Center.

The project is a partnership between the city and master developer, Wallace Bajjali Development Partners.  It was approved by the city almost two years ago. 

Upcoming steps:

  • Wallace Bajjali officials provide proof of financing,  as well as permits for the hotel and parking garage by Nov. 1, 2013
  • The city must complete all utility upgrades and consolidation before construction begins
  • Construction by Wallace Bajjali must begin by Dec. 31, 2013

David Wallace, of Wallace Bajjali, says the financing and permit requirements are met, but construction could be moved to early 2014.  There is a clause in the contract that would allow negotiation for this postponement. 
The convention center hotel will be constructed across from City Hall first. 

Downtown infrastructure is some of the oldest in the city, dating back to the 1920s.  For the city to consolidate all utilities, public and private, to the same defined place, at least one lane of South Pierce Street will be closed from Southeast Eighth Avenue to Southeast Fifth Avenue. 

Empty conduits will be left to provide room for expansion, eliminating the need to trench again.