Hotel demand in Dayton market recovers
But Savarise said he believes investments in new hotel space in Dayton make sense because the area is becoming more of an attractive destination and place for meetings and events, especially when the Dayton Convention Center gets a makeover.
“The major investment happening in the Dayton Convention Center is historic and a tipping point that will make the entire region an even bigger hub of business, meetings and tourism,” he said.
Dayton Convention Center to undergo $31 million renovation
Dayton Convention Center to undergo $31 million renovation
The Dayton Convention Center is undergoing millions of dollars in renovations, and a master plan for the facility calls for as much as $32 million in property improvements.
The convention center needs quality accommodations within walking distance to compete for events, particularly from non-local groups, said Pam Plageman, executive director of the Montgomery County Convention Facilities Authority.
A study of the convention center and local market concluded the facility will need about 500 additional hotel rooms nearby, Plageman said.
Two new hotels are under construction within about 1.2 miles of the convention center — the Hotel Ardent, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton and the AC Hotel by Marriott.
A conceptual rendering of a renovated Dayton Convention Center. The facility could have a terrace, green space and its signature metal structure out front could be removed. CONTRIBUTED
A conceptual rendering of a renovated Dayton Convention Center. The facility could have a terrace, green space and its signature metal structure out front could be removed. CONTRIBUTED
They will add about 254 new hotel rooms, and new hotel product also is planned for the nearby Dayton Arcade.
But Plageman said there is still need for more quality hotel rooms.
Convention centers like Dayton’s size could use about 500 to 700 rooms either connected to the facility or within a several-block walk, said Jacquelyn Powell, president and CEO of the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The current inventory, however, is only about 385 rooms, she said, and some are not available for convention and group blocks.
“Meeting and event planners will often select locations where they can accommodate the event attendees ‘under one roof’ or where they are not required to provide transportation to/from a convention facility,” she said.
The Dayton Convention Center. CORNELIUS FROLIK / STAFF
The Dayton Convention Center. CORNELIUS FROLIK / STAFF
The vibrancy of the central business district continues to build and bolster tourism, she said, thanks to amenities like the Dayton Levitt Pavilion, development of the riverfront, the 2nd Street Market, the rehab of the Dayton Arcade, popular performing and visual arts venues and unique independent restaurants and shopping options.
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