Study Says City's Convention Center Needs Upgrading

KANSAS CITY, MO-A consultant told the Kansas City City Council that officials here need to improve Bartle Hall, the city’s convention center. He also said the city needs to ensure that there is adequate land for future expansion.

The first phase of the study, by John T. Kaatz with Convention Sports & Leisure International of Minneapolis, is being presented this week, with the second half of the study to be given within 60 days.

Top priorities listed for Bartle Hall include expansion of the ballroom, from 24,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet; an upgrade of the convention center’s 58 ballrooms and enlargement of the 388,000 square foot exhibit hall.

There was also a suggestion made to build at least one or two more hotels within walking distance of the convention center.

Bartle Hall was built in 1976 and enlarged in 1985. In 1994, the exhibithall space was nearly doubled to its current dimensions. Last year, more than 465 conventions and meetings were held at Bartle Hall.