The needs assessment survey produced for the Amarillo Civic Center Complex in 2016 shows that an expansion of the Civic Center across an existing street has been suggested.
In the Civic Center Facility Needs Assessment Study Volume II , Dekker, Perich and Sabatini, the consulting firm behind the survey, suggested that the Amarillo Civic Center Complex be expanded across Johnson Street. The projected expansion would move the eastern doors of the north part of the complex in an expansion that would conclude in the east parking lot of the complex.
The suggested expansion would be part of the overall renovation of the Civic Center as suggested by the study. In addition to the expansion of the Civic Center, the study also suggested the addition of a kitchen for the structure, more convention rooms, a new sports arena and additional parking garages in downtown Amarillo.
An expansion would require funds, however, and the funds do not seem to be on the table at the moment. In November of 2016, voters turned down funding for a partial renovation of the Civic Center facility and in late 2017, City of Amarillo spokesperson Jesse Patton told the Amarillo Pioneer that the expansion is unlikely to happen soon, as freed up funds would have to become available.
"According to the Civic Center, the arena and expanded Civic Center (including additional meeting space) was identified as a need for future growth," Patton said in a statement from October. "Those needs were attempted to be addressed with the 2016 bond proposal, which the voters voted against using property taxes to support the expansion/arena. Additional funding or alternative revenue sources would need to be found before a plan could be put into place."
If the expansion took place, maps show that it would likely accomodate additional convention rooms at the Civic Center. No plans have been released in the surveys, however, to expand the complex's Coliseum or Auditorium.
For more information, please visit amarillo.gov.
