Downtown Amarillo To Get A Facelift: Renovations Approved

In an effort to beautify and revive downtown Amarillo, a multi-million dollar renovation plan was proposed. Last night, after listening to 36 people voice their opinions, Amarillo City Commissioners voted 5-0 to move forward with phase 1.

So what does Phase 1 include? Well a 300-room, full service, Wyndham convention center hotel-costing around $69.3 million; a multi-events center/baseball field-$30.3 million; and a parking garage-$13.4 million. Let me do the math for you, that is $113 million. Now this is just an estimate. When renovations are made, they usually go over budget.

Over 150 people sat in on the meeting and the reaction was split. Many are all for the redevelopment and many are against it. No new taxes will be forced upon Amarillo citizens so why not?

Ground breaking is set to start in Spring 2012 and should be completed by 2014. Phase 2 of the plan includes renovations to the Civic Center. Those plans will be addressed sometime in the up coming months.

While these renovations will provide many jobs, do you agree with them?