SPI officials revise convention center expansion plans

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – Concerned citizens curious about a project to expand the South Padre Island Convention Center got an explanation of the whys and hows behind the multimillion-dollar plan.

They also aired their opinions during a city commission workshop held Wednesday, July 2.

Most of them said they were not against expanding the center but were adamantly opposed to a previous version to get rid of a sort of bird sanctuary built several years ago to the south of the current building.

City and convention center officials said the new version was changed from original plan, but the project must proceed if the city is to remain competitive with other municipalities.

The proposed expansion ran into a snag after Cameron County Commissioners turned down a June city request to go for it.

The decision was prompted by numerous complaints from people opposing the destruction of the bird habitat at the expense of new buildings.

That prompted the city council to go back to the drawing table and come up with another alternative.

From the office of SPI Mayor Patrick McNulty

“The reason why we are here is because the county shut you down,” Gloria Galindo said. She described herself as a bird watcher and an environmentalist. “I am not against the project but against the way it has been handled for the last two years.”

About eight people spoke during the public comments phase of the meeting and they all shared similar views in favor of keeping the bird habitat as is.

The 45,000 square feet center was built in 1992 on land owned by the county and has seen its share of activities since then and more so today.

According to a study issued by the office of Mayor Patrick McNulty, the expansion called for adding an additional 55,000 square feet of meeting space and is expected to cost close to $100 million.

It will have a new exhibit hall, lobby, a 300-seat theater and ballrooms, among other additions. Its construction is anticipated to start this November and it would take 30 months to complete.

Island and center officials believe the local economy will suffer if the expansion is not made due to a resulting expected decrease in tourism, operating cost, hospitality jobs, meetings and bookings.

They also said the current center does not meet market demand and pointed to a proposed county/city plan to build an upscale resort hotel resort next to the center.

Blake Henry, the CVB director, gave a synopsis of the economic impact of the center during fiscal year 2023-24.

An attendant spent an average of $216.53 per event, resulting in more than $12.6 million spent from October 2023 to September 2004.

He said the center gets 289 days of bookings a year and this year is showing an increase so far.

The workshop filled the room of the city council chambers. Among those attending were two former mayors, Barry Patel and Dennis Stahl.

Part of the bird habitat of the current convention center. (Photo: RGG/Antonio Vindell)

Patel said he was against using venue tax money for other purposes and suggested the formation of a committee to discuss the matter.

Stahl said he was not against the expansion project but against wasting money.

But Kerry Schwartz, a city councilman, issued a conciliatory note saying the Island is also a bird watcher destination.

“We should build an ecotourism center,” he said as he took to the podium during the hearing. “I truly believe we should be focusing on this.”

Schwartz said afterwards he will ensure the bird habitat is preserved for the benefits of bird watchers and tourists alike.

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