Lynnwood picks convention center manager
Published 9:00 pm Saturday, November 22, 2003
LYNNWOOD — The Lynnwood Public Facilities District is expected to approve a contract with the operator of the city’s planned convention center early next month.
SMG of Philadelphia was selected in August to run the $31 million facility. The firm’s work would start immediately.
If the board adopts the five-year contract, SMG would be paid $50,000 a year before the center opens. During that time, the firm will schedule events and prepare the center for operation.
SMG would be paid $75,000 in the first year of the center’s operation, $85,000 in the second year and $95,000 in the third year and beyond, through the end of the contract on Dec. 31, 2008.
In addition, SMG could earn incentive fees based on how much money the center makes and on the quality of work the firm provides.
SMG was the most experienced company in the final group that the board considered. The firm was a finalist to run the new Everett Events Center but lost the bid to Global Spectrum, also based in Philadelphia.
SMG manages 63 arenas, seven stadiums, 31 performing arts centers, 44 convention centers and 11 other recreational facilities. The Lynnwood Convention Center will be its first in the Pacific Northwest.
On Monday, the district will ask the Lynnwood City Council to approve a planned unit development, which is essentially a rezone that would allow the center to move forward. That meeting is at 7 p.m. in City Council chambers, 19100 44th Ave. W.
In other convention center news, the operator of electronics store Video Only intends to appeal a recent Court of Appeals decision to the state Supreme Court.
Video Only is the last piece of property the facilities district needs to acquire before construction can begin in earnest. A judge in October said the district could take control of the property through eminent domain for a fair price.
Snohomish County Superior Judge Joseph Thibodeau recently set a trial date of Jan. 26, when a jury will determine the price the district will pay for the Video Only property.
Video Only already has moved out of the building at 36th Avenue W. and 196th Street SW.
"At the end of the trial, we could literally write a check, go in the next day and knock the building down," said Grant Dull, executive director of the facilities district.
Also, crews recently installed a storm-watersystem, which has been paved over, and tore down the north end of the old cinema on the site. That area will provide parking for the center.
Reporter Victor Balta: 425-339-3455 or vbalta@heraldnet.com.
