BOSTON
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority is working to lift a 15-year-old ban on hotel development south of Summer Street—the first step needed for a major expansion of the Southie exhibition hall.
MCCA chief Jim Rooney has outlined a plan to allow up to seven new hotels—including multiple mid-priced hotels and a second "headquarters" hotel similar to the Westin Waterfront—around the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
Howard Davis, BCEC director of capital projects, said the nearby hotel capacity of 1,700 rooms is far too small to support demand and reduce the costly busing of conventioneers to and from Back Bay hotels.
Davis said at least 4,000 hotel rooms are needed, and possibly as many as 7,000 rooms if the convention center's $2 billion expansion plan is approved. The MCCA likely will have to acquire land to spur hotel projects. For the full story, click here.
Courtesy of The Boston Herald
