The American Bank Center and the surrounding area could be in for a transformation should the Corpus Christi City Council act on suggestions it heard at its Jan. 24 meeting. 
Rob Hunden, president of Chicago-based Hunden Strategic Partners, gave the council proposals from a feasibility study it conducted for the city. Plans include a renovation and expansion of the American Bank Center, which would add meeting rooms and a large ballroom. The center was last renovated in 2002 and the arena added in 2004. 
HSP also recommended building a hotel adjoining the convention center and creating an adjacent mixed-use district with other hotels as well restaurants, clubs, shops, residential units, and office space. 
The report estimates the project would cost about $193 million. Over 30 years, it could create 3,000 jobs and have an estimated economic impact of about $566 million if all proposals are adopted, according to HSP.
“The presentation from HSP allows us to reimagine a part of Corpus Christi that is critical to our economy, community, and our tourists,” Mayor Paulette Guajardo said. “This proposed plan will provide the next steps in many aspects of moving our city forward.” 
The City Council took no action on the proposals at the Tuesday meeting.
chuck@thepicayune.com