New Hammond Convention Center
Hammond, Louisiana

TYPE:	Feasibility Study for a New Hammond Convention Center
YEAR:	2005-2006
CLIENT:	Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau
SCOPE OF WORK:	Local Market Conditions Analysis Competitive/Comparable Facility Analysis Market Demand Analysis Industry Trends Analysis Market Supportable Facility Program Preliminary Construction Costs Financial Operations Analysis Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis Funding Alternatives Analysis

In 2005/2006, CSL was retained by the Convention Center Committee and the Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau to conduct a feasibility study regarding the potential development of a convention center. Hammond is uniquely located 50 minutes north of New Orleans and one hour east of Baton Rouge, with major interstate access connecting the cities.

While the study initially commenced in the summer of 2005, efforts were put on hold following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to the Greater New Orleans area. After six months, the study re-started with a special focus on the effects Hurricane Katrina had on meeting planners opinions of the area and their thoughts on the future ability of the Gulf Coast region to successfully host meetings and conventions. Additionally, the scope of services included an analysis of local market conditions, competitive and comparable convention centers, regional industry characteristics and trends, market surveys of state and regional organizations, market supportable building program, site analysis, preliminary construction costs, financial operations, economic impacts and funding alternatives.

Study findings suggested that insufficient market support existed for a public sector-led, stand-alone convention center. Alternate project concepts assessed included a public/private partnership with a hotel and an amateur sports complex.

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