We are a month into our expansion and renovation at the Hickory Metro Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. Currently, we are in the demo stage with lots of dirt turning and moving parts. Our campus is filled with excavators, backhoes, and dump trucks picking up and hauling off chunks of sidewalks, drain pipes, and red clay. We are seeing significant changes to our outside parking lot as well as the Catawba rooms.
The parking lot has been completely leveled with the construction crew digging up the old drainage system and putting in new. They have also broken up the old sidewalks, speedbumps, and asphalt parking lot to make room for the new additional 46,000 sq. ft. expansion. Grading has begun to make the dirt level and ready for a foundation.
Inside the Convention Center demo has begun in the Catawba rooms. This side of the building is now closed off to guests. A wooden wall in the main lobby has been constructed creating a safe walking area for guests. Inside the Catawba rooms the temporary walls, old concession stands, and bathrooms have all been taken down in preparation for the new layout and upgrades. Out with the old and in with the new!
New Parking Options: We have added additional parking lots to our campus while construction is underway. There are three lots; 1. blue, 2. green, and 3. yellow. We ask those that are physically able to park in the Blue and Yellow lots, to leave the more accessible parking (Green) open for those who need it. As always, our parking is free to you. For vendors, the unloading and loading areas have changed, please be patient with each other as you are all trying to do the same thing.
Please remember to "Bear With Us" as we are all a part of this expansion and renovation. A little inconvenience right now will bring great growth in the future. If you have any questions please call 828-322-1335.
