Cobo Center Battles Underscores Difficulty In Keeping NAIAS In Detroit
I caught wind of in the news late last week that some Detroit residents and politicians were upset with the plans proposed in renovating and managing the Cobo Center. That convention center is at the heart of a battle to transfer its control from the city to a three county region, a move which would immediately inject funds into the cash strapped city’s budget while allowing the suburbs to get in on the benefits of managing the convention center.
Not Everything Is Black Versus White
Unfortunately, race was injected into the conversation with predominately black Detroit fuming that the predominately white suburbs would gain control of their beloved facility. The Cobo Center’s main attraction is its annual January auto show, affectionately known as the North American International Auto Show or NAIAS. The NAIAS has been bursting at its seams for years and is in major need of additional room. That lack of room has forced some automakers to display their cars in the lobby or basement, not exactly what a world-class event should have to do.
As it stands, Michigan has high unemployment and has been suffering immensely even before the current global economic downturn kicked in last fall. Its three hometown automakers — General Motors, Ford and Chrysler — are in bad shape financially with GM and Chrysler on the verge of bankruptcy. Thus, future shows may be without one or more automakers or at least several of its brands: GM is expected to divest itself of Saturn, Hummer and Saab this year, freeing up space at the Cobo Center.
No Shows Could Be A Problem
Nissan, Porsche and a handful of other automakers passed on the NAIAS in 2009 and others might do the same. The NAIAS begins construction for the January show in September as it is by far and away the most important event of the year for that venue. If for some reason the show is moved to another city, then Detroit, the three counties and the state of Michigan could be left holding the bag.
The renovations needed to bring the Cobo Center up to par will cost $288 million, while also giving Detroit $20 million to transfer authority of the center to the three counties. In addition, the $15 million annual expense to maintain the Cobo Center would be removed from the city’s books, one less expense that Detroit would have to handle.
If the Cobo Center renovation doesn’t take place as planned then the city could find itself no longer hosting one of the most important events of the year. Larger cities including Chicago, Los Angeles and New York would love to host the NAIAS and will ready their own plans if Detroit stumbles when it needs to move swiftly and without the political rancor.
[...] to Google Latest Content Cobo Center Battles Underscores Difficulty In Keeping NAIAS In Detroit – 50 minutes ago I caught wind of in the news late last week that some Detroit residents and [...]
Well for one thing, fixing the Cobo Center would be really great, I just hope they finish it in enough time to be able to prepare for the next NAIAS.
Imees last blog post..2009 Honda Civic Hybrid
Imee, I would think that there would be a big “work around” which would allow construction to take place even as the Cobo Center prepares and later hosts the NAIAS. Getting the project started is a whole ‘nuther matter however.