Post by slocoma on May 18, 2007 9:19:48 GMT -5
Article published May 18, 2007
Authority looks at gaming money
By Kevin Flowers
kevin.flowers@timesnews.com
A proposed $43 million remaking of Tullio Arena and the grounds surrounding the aging facility would create a multi-use entertainment complex that physically links to nearby Jerry Uht Park.
The area would also become the heart of an expanded downtown cultural and entertainment district -- a concept the Erie County Convention Center Authority has touted since 2002.
That was the message delivered Thursday to the Erie Times-News Editorial Board by Casey Wells, the Convention Center Authority's executive director. Wells and local architect Ross Rectenwald unveiled a detailed plan that included color renderings and an animated virtual tour.
Wells added that the authority will go after millions of dollars in state gaming revenues to help make the development a reality, and he has already presented the ideas to local elected officials.
"It provides a whole new experience that we don't currently offer," Wells said. "We're just throwing this out to elected officials for consideration. ... The authority always wants to have (a project) cued up, ready to go. We have accurate numbers, accurate data. We feel it's a worthwhile investment."
Wells said the project seeks to expand the Tullio Arena complex at East Eighth and French streets and create a park-like area there. That park would feature an amphitheater that could host a variety of events, including small concerts and festivals. Part of it would be used as an outdoor ice skating rink in winter.
There would also be a new and expanded glass-covered lobby that would connect with nearby Jerry Uht Park to provide an additional entrance to the ballpark.
The entire area, including Jerry Uht Park, would be known as the "Erie Events Complex."
Rectenwald said the new design enhances conceptual work originally done by consultants from Chicago and Kansas City, Mo., who created a detailed master plan for the improvements in 2002.
"All of these improvements have been done to improve the functionality (of the venues)," Rectenwald said.
Other proposed arena improvements include a new parking garage; new left field seating at Jerry Uht Park and luxury suites at both the arena and Jerry Uht Park; a retail store for the SeaWolves and Otters; and a year-round restaurant inside the arena.
There would be additional arena seating and ticket offices; an enlarged kitchen; larger concourses and additional concession stands and restrooms. The number of women's restrooms would be dramatically increased.
Wells said remaking Tullio Arena is necessary because the facility, which was built in 1983, has become outdated.
"Even locally, you look at the last 10 years ... Hershey, Youngstown, Ohio, have new arenas," Wells said. "We're getting a little long in the tooth (at Tullio Arena). We need to reinvest in these facilities."
The improvements would create more seating for concerts and Erie Otters hockey games and help the authority attract bigger-name national touring acts for Tullio Arena shows, Wells said.
The plan also enhances a visitor's experience at the venues by adding new restrooms, increasing concession areas and creating "social space" the facility currently does not have, Wells said.
Wells said the 2005 county bond issue that funded $4 million in renovations at Jerry Uht Park, including the new right field beer garden, handled some of the ballpark improvements included in the original 2002 master plan.
Wells proposed two ways to fund the project, and each would require 30-year commitments from government.
One way would require the county to commit $2.75 million a year for 30 years to the project. That money would be used to pay debt service on a 30-year bond that would fund the improvements, Wells said.
The county will receive $11 million annually from Presque Isle Downs & Casino.
The other way would require both Erie County and the state to provide about $1.5 million in gaming revenues each year for 30 years, which would also be used to make long-term payments on a project bond.
The state gets 55 percent, or $1.65 billion, of the $3 billion in annual revenues gambling is expected to generate in Pennsylvania.
"We think it's doable," Wells said, adding that the project could help lure more businesses downtown and complement other nearby entertainment venues such as the Warner Theatre and the Erie Playhouse.
"Clearly it's an ambitious project. But we think it will transform Erie's downtown and continue that positive improvement that we're experiencing. It's an investment that's well warranted that will reap dividends."
Wells has made the same presentation to Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott, Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio, members of Erie County Council and Republican state Sen. Jane Earll of Fairview.
"Clearly they haven't committed, but they've been positive," Wells said.
Earll said the plan is well thought out, "but clearly it needs to be vetted in the community to see how much support it has.
"We left enough flexibility in the gaming law for individual communities to decide what their priorities are. That's what needs to happen," Earll said. "Ultimately it's going to be up to County Council to see if they want to fund that type of project."
DiVecchio said he likes the project, but has qualms about the county making a 30-year funding commitment "when no one knows if the casino's going to be here in 30 years. There's no guarantee we'll get that money for 30 years."
DiVecchio, though, said he's willing to lobby Gov. Ed Rendell for state capital budget funding for the improvements.
"The project's a great addition to what's already downtown," DiVecchio said.
KEVIN FLOWERS can be reached at 870-1693 or by e-mail.
Renovation of Tullio Arena long overdue
A $43.5 million plan to renovate and expand Tullio Arena is detailed, dramatic and an exciting proposition for the Erie region to pursue.
The proposal, which was presented to the Erie Times-News Editorial Board Thursday, is downright impressive, despite the initial sticker shock.
The architectural plan by Ross Rectenwald, commissioned by the Erie County Convention Center Authority, has many major features:
a circular, glass and beam facade, from a new connection to Jerry Uht Park, northward and eastward around the corner of French and East Eighth streets.
another level to the arena;
new entrances and a shared, expanded lobby for the arena and ballpark;
concert seating expanded to 8,350 and hockey seating to 6,009;
private boxes increased from five to 20;
baseball seating at Uht Park expanded to 7,000;
10,767 square feet of new restaurant space;
triple the restroom facilities for women, and double for men;
a new outdoor amphitheater that will double as a public ice arena in winter; a circular drive to outdoor ticket windows; and much more.
Just as impressively, Rectenwald's design fits perfectly with the themes developed in the 2002 plan for a downtown cultural and entertainment district, and complements other major downtown developments. They include the Erie Insurance complex; Hamot Medical Center campus; various projects by the Erie Redevelopment Authority; the bayfront development that includes Blasco Library, Erie Maritime Museum and Intermodal Transportation Center; and the bayfront convention center and hotel.
The design includes the later possible construction of a performing arts building that could also feature offices for many of Erie's community arts organizations, as well as skywalks that would connect the arena and performing arts buildings to a major parking garage.
Ambitious? Yes. Hopeful? Absolutely.
Casey Wells, executive director of the Convention Center Authority, made a powerful argument for the need to renovate and expand the 24-year-old arena.
Wells rated Tullio Arena as the fourth-best facility in the Ontario Hockey League when Erie acquired the Otters franchise 11 years ago, and said it is now the fourth-worst. An upgraded and expanded arena would also allow the authority to compete for the next level of concerts and other shows touring nationally.
How to pay for such a project is the next challenge, but the authority has done its homework.
It has begun to make its case for using restricted funds from gaming revenues by making presentations to Erie County Council, Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio, Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott, state Sen. Jane Earll, of Fairview, R-49th Dist.
According to Rectenwald, a new arena would cost $80 million to $85 million, but the structural integrity of Tullio Arena allows it to be expanded rather than rebuilt.
Funding $43.5 million through a bond issue is still a tall order. It would require about $2.75 million annually to service the bond debt.
The local dollars could also be used as matching money to leverage construction of a performing arts center.
The authority will also pursue a possible 50-50 split with the state for the arena project, if it could persuade Gov. Ed Rendell to use a plan similar to the one that will allow Pittsburgh to build a new home for the Penguins National Hockey League team.
The arena upgrades are important for purely pragmatic business reasons for Erie. Both the Otters and Erie SeaWolves are renting the arena and ballpark on short-term leasing options.
Not only will these improvements make these franchises more eager to stay in Erie, but they will also make it easier to attract new franchises, if that becomes necessary.
We agree these upgrades are long overdue. And the plan to make it happen seems excellent.
Authority looks at gaming money
By Kevin Flowers
kevin.flowers@timesnews.com
A proposed $43 million remaking of Tullio Arena and the grounds surrounding the aging facility would create a multi-use entertainment complex that physically links to nearby Jerry Uht Park.
The area would also become the heart of an expanded downtown cultural and entertainment district -- a concept the Erie County Convention Center Authority has touted since 2002.
That was the message delivered Thursday to the Erie Times-News Editorial Board by Casey Wells, the Convention Center Authority's executive director. Wells and local architect Ross Rectenwald unveiled a detailed plan that included color renderings and an animated virtual tour.
Wells added that the authority will go after millions of dollars in state gaming revenues to help make the development a reality, and he has already presented the ideas to local elected officials.
"It provides a whole new experience that we don't currently offer," Wells said. "We're just throwing this out to elected officials for consideration. ... The authority always wants to have (a project) cued up, ready to go. We have accurate numbers, accurate data. We feel it's a worthwhile investment."
Wells said the project seeks to expand the Tullio Arena complex at East Eighth and French streets and create a park-like area there. That park would feature an amphitheater that could host a variety of events, including small concerts and festivals. Part of it would be used as an outdoor ice skating rink in winter.
There would also be a new and expanded glass-covered lobby that would connect with nearby Jerry Uht Park to provide an additional entrance to the ballpark.
The entire area, including Jerry Uht Park, would be known as the "Erie Events Complex."
Rectenwald said the new design enhances conceptual work originally done by consultants from Chicago and Kansas City, Mo., who created a detailed master plan for the improvements in 2002.
"All of these improvements have been done to improve the functionality (of the venues)," Rectenwald said.
Other proposed arena improvements include a new parking garage; new left field seating at Jerry Uht Park and luxury suites at both the arena and Jerry Uht Park; a retail store for the SeaWolves and Otters; and a year-round restaurant inside the arena.
There would be additional arena seating and ticket offices; an enlarged kitchen; larger concourses and additional concession stands and restrooms. The number of women's restrooms would be dramatically increased.
Wells said remaking Tullio Arena is necessary because the facility, which was built in 1983, has become outdated.
"Even locally, you look at the last 10 years ... Hershey, Youngstown, Ohio, have new arenas," Wells said. "We're getting a little long in the tooth (at Tullio Arena). We need to reinvest in these facilities."
The improvements would create more seating for concerts and Erie Otters hockey games and help the authority attract bigger-name national touring acts for Tullio Arena shows, Wells said.
The plan also enhances a visitor's experience at the venues by adding new restrooms, increasing concession areas and creating "social space" the facility currently does not have, Wells said.
Wells said the 2005 county bond issue that funded $4 million in renovations at Jerry Uht Park, including the new right field beer garden, handled some of the ballpark improvements included in the original 2002 master plan.
Wells proposed two ways to fund the project, and each would require 30-year commitments from government.
One way would require the county to commit $2.75 million a year for 30 years to the project. That money would be used to pay debt service on a 30-year bond that would fund the improvements, Wells said.
The county will receive $11 million annually from Presque Isle Downs & Casino.
The other way would require both Erie County and the state to provide about $1.5 million in gaming revenues each year for 30 years, which would also be used to make long-term payments on a project bond.
The state gets 55 percent, or $1.65 billion, of the $3 billion in annual revenues gambling is expected to generate in Pennsylvania.
"We think it's doable," Wells said, adding that the project could help lure more businesses downtown and complement other nearby entertainment venues such as the Warner Theatre and the Erie Playhouse.
"Clearly it's an ambitious project. But we think it will transform Erie's downtown and continue that positive improvement that we're experiencing. It's an investment that's well warranted that will reap dividends."
Wells has made the same presentation to Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott, Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio, members of Erie County Council and Republican state Sen. Jane Earll of Fairview.
"Clearly they haven't committed, but they've been positive," Wells said.
Earll said the plan is well thought out, "but clearly it needs to be vetted in the community to see how much support it has.
"We left enough flexibility in the gaming law for individual communities to decide what their priorities are. That's what needs to happen," Earll said. "Ultimately it's going to be up to County Council to see if they want to fund that type of project."
DiVecchio said he likes the project, but has qualms about the county making a 30-year funding commitment "when no one knows if the casino's going to be here in 30 years. There's no guarantee we'll get that money for 30 years."
DiVecchio, though, said he's willing to lobby Gov. Ed Rendell for state capital budget funding for the improvements.
"The project's a great addition to what's already downtown," DiVecchio said.
KEVIN FLOWERS can be reached at 870-1693 or by e-mail.
Renovation of Tullio Arena long overdue
A $43.5 million plan to renovate and expand Tullio Arena is detailed, dramatic and an exciting proposition for the Erie region to pursue.
The proposal, which was presented to the Erie Times-News Editorial Board Thursday, is downright impressive, despite the initial sticker shock.
The architectural plan by Ross Rectenwald, commissioned by the Erie County Convention Center Authority, has many major features:
a circular, glass and beam facade, from a new connection to Jerry Uht Park, northward and eastward around the corner of French and East Eighth streets.
another level to the arena;
new entrances and a shared, expanded lobby for the arena and ballpark;
concert seating expanded to 8,350 and hockey seating to 6,009;
private boxes increased from five to 20;
baseball seating at Uht Park expanded to 7,000;
10,767 square feet of new restaurant space;
triple the restroom facilities for women, and double for men;
a new outdoor amphitheater that will double as a public ice arena in winter; a circular drive to outdoor ticket windows; and much more.
Just as impressively, Rectenwald's design fits perfectly with the themes developed in the 2002 plan for a downtown cultural and entertainment district, and complements other major downtown developments. They include the Erie Insurance complex; Hamot Medical Center campus; various projects by the Erie Redevelopment Authority; the bayfront development that includes Blasco Library, Erie Maritime Museum and Intermodal Transportation Center; and the bayfront convention center and hotel.
The design includes the later possible construction of a performing arts building that could also feature offices for many of Erie's community arts organizations, as well as skywalks that would connect the arena and performing arts buildings to a major parking garage.
Ambitious? Yes. Hopeful? Absolutely.
Casey Wells, executive director of the Convention Center Authority, made a powerful argument for the need to renovate and expand the 24-year-old arena.
Wells rated Tullio Arena as the fourth-best facility in the Ontario Hockey League when Erie acquired the Otters franchise 11 years ago, and said it is now the fourth-worst. An upgraded and expanded arena would also allow the authority to compete for the next level of concerts and other shows touring nationally.
How to pay for such a project is the next challenge, but the authority has done its homework.
It has begun to make its case for using restricted funds from gaming revenues by making presentations to Erie County Council, Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio, Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott, state Sen. Jane Earll, of Fairview, R-49th Dist.
According to Rectenwald, a new arena would cost $80 million to $85 million, but the structural integrity of Tullio Arena allows it to be expanded rather than rebuilt.
Funding $43.5 million through a bond issue is still a tall order. It would require about $2.75 million annually to service the bond debt.
The local dollars could also be used as matching money to leverage construction of a performing arts center.
The authority will also pursue a possible 50-50 split with the state for the arena project, if it could persuade Gov. Ed Rendell to use a plan similar to the one that will allow Pittsburgh to build a new home for the Penguins National Hockey League team.
The arena upgrades are important for purely pragmatic business reasons for Erie. Both the Otters and Erie SeaWolves are renting the arena and ballpark on short-term leasing options.
Not only will these improvements make these franchises more eager to stay in Erie, but they will also make it easier to attract new franchises, if that becomes necessary.
We agree these upgrades are long overdue. And the plan to make it happen seems excellent.
But seriously, The civic center needs renovations. This should have been higher on the list than the damn convention center (that's worthless IMO). If they were going to waste all that money on a "convention Center", they should have made it a multipurpose building to replace the Tullio. Can you imagine the amount of buzz that would create for the bayfront? Not to mention building restaurants around the that area and utilize the bayfront.