Topped off

LYNNWOOD — It’s now easy for all to see that something quickly is changing the view in Lynnwood.

The convention center here at the corner of 196th Street SW and 36th Avenue West, has taken shape as the final steel beam was hoisted into place July 8.

According to Grant Dull, Lynnwood’s Public Facilities District executive director, the view will soon be more than mere steel. The glass and decorative panels will be added soon.

Lynnwood Mayor Mike McKinnon said Lynnwood’s premier convention center will attract the mid-sized meeting and convention market by providing high quality, personalized service.

“It will become a conference destination that in turn will generate civic and economic benefits for our city,” McKinnon said.

The event was attended by local business owners, city officials and the media. All who were present were able to put their “John Hancock” on the final beam before it was taken up to the top of the structure and placed carefully by construction workers.

Mike Echelbarger, Lynnwood Public Facilities District Chair said the Lynnwood Convention Center is focused on providing a quality meeting experience, rather than becoming an all-purpose center.

“Its strengths include a convenient location, a high-value product, and free on-site parking,” Echelbarger said.

The facility will be a total of 55,000 square feet, with 23,000 square feet dedicated to meeting and exhibition space. Scheduled to open in spring of 2005, the Lynnwood Convention Center is expected to generate more than $10 million a year from meetings, conferences and events, as well as stimulate significant retail and hospitality revenues, PFD officials said. It is managed by SMG.

For additional information on the operation of the facility, contact Eddie Tadlock, General Manager, 425-778-7155 or e-mail to etadlock@lynnwoodpfd.com.