Miami Beach Convention Center needs revamp

A committee of business leaders and city officials said the Miami Beach Convention Center needs a large-scale overhaul to remain competitive with other venues in the area. The 53-year old building will lose business to other centers in South Florida without significant improvements, which could carry a price tag of $100 million, committee members said. Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower said the 1.1 million-square-foot convention center should be as modern and attractive as other convention centers in the country. Committee members are preparing to submit a recommendation for the convention center project before an Aug. 3 deadline. In 2004, voters in Miami-Dade County approved a $55 million bond sale to fund the renovation of the convention center, which was last upgraded in 1989. [SFBJ]