Center Renovation

Renovation Quick Facts

  • 40,000+ sq ft of Center meeting space -- 3,200 person total capacity
  • Respond to Conference Center customer needs for more flexible and usable meeting space (large rooms can be easily reconfigured; separate events can be simultaneously held in Center, etc.), upgraded technology and systems, modernized building that meets ADA requirements, LEED certified
  • $60 Million renovation project -- 100% funded by City of Monterey hotels & motels through Conference Center Facilities District (CCFD) bonds (3.95% rate)
  • Groundbreaking in early December 2015; grand reopening Jan. 2018.
  • Portola Plaza upgrade in 2016, funded by CCFD, City General and Parking Funds

"We value our visitors. We are open during construction and we are going to take care of our group customers during the remodel. Then, when they come back,our meeting planners and attendees are going to be so pleased with our new conference center."

Mayor Clyde Roberson

THE HOTELIERS - VISITOR ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES (VAF)

In February 2014, VAF owners voted to authorize City Council to levy a special tax and to issue debt to finance the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Monterey Conference Center (MCC). As established in the Rate and Method of Apportionment (the "RMA"), the special tax became effective July 1, 2014 and is known as the Conference Center Facilities District (CCFD).

Visitor Accommodation Facility (as defined by Chapter 35, Article 3, Section 35-10 of City code): Any building, portion of any building, or group of buildings in which there are guest rooms or suites, including housekeeping units for transient guests, where lodging with or without meals is provided. This definition excludes Vacation Time-Share Facilities.

More Information About the CCFD

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The Project Manager

The project will be managed by Ausonio, Inc., an award-winning Castroville-based firm whose project team includes a highly respected consultant with experience building projects worldwide. Ausonio Inc. is one of the largest and most trusted Design-Build construction companies on the Central Coast and beyond. Ausonio’s diversity of projects and depth of experience provide the capability needed to complete a wide variety of construction projects. Ausonio is the leading green builder of the Monterey Bay Area with experienced LEED Certified professionals on staff as well as a Certified Green Building professional.

Learn More about Ausonio Inc.

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The Architectural Firm

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) is providing architecture, interiors and engineering for the renovation. SOM is one of the leading design firms in the world, with a reputation for design excellence and a portfolio that includes some of the most important architectural accomplishments of the 20th and 21st centuries. The firm’s work has ranged from the architectural design and engineering of individual buildings of all typologies to the master planning and design of entire communities. SOM's award-winning projects include convention and conference centers in Hong Kong, Seoul, Virginia Beach, Chicago and San Francisco's Moscone Center among others. SOM has received more than 1,700 awards for design and innovation including the Firm of the Year Award, twice, from the American Institute of Architects. Recently, the AIA's California Council similarly honored SOM as the Firm of the Year.

Learn More about SOM

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The Contractor

Stronghold Engineering, Inc.'s specialized experience in the design and construction of existing and new facilities is unparalleled. We have successful past performance exceeding $1 billion in new construction, dry utility, renewable energy, engineering-procurement (EPC) and design build projects. Our commitment to our diverse portfolio of clients is of uncompromising value, quality, and leadership. We consider ourselves as a true partner in every sense of the word and our clients' evaluation of our performance will confirm that.

Learn More about Stronghold

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The Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCCVB) has played an integral role in supporting this project. They will be instrumental in helping with communications, marketing and branding of the new Conference Center.

Learn more about the MCCVB

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The City of Monterey

The City of Monterey owns and manages the Monterey Conference Center. The City plays an integral role in overseeing the renovation. Many departments are involved in the process, including Community Services (Conference Center), Finance, Information Resources (ISD and City Clerk's Office), Plans and Public Works (Planning, Permits and Inspections, and others), and the City Manager's Office (including the Communications and Outreach Office.)​

Meet the Conference Center Staff

The Community

The Monterey Conference Center is a downtown icon in Monterey. Many local events are held there each year, and many residents and businesses enjoy and benefit from these events. The Monterey Conference Center has a long history in downtown. The community is known for it's hospitality, thanks to the people who live and work here.