City considers $2 million VIC expansion

City Manager John Regan will brief commissioners on an estimated $2 million initiative to expand the Visitor Information Center; by enclosing the rear porches and adding wings resulting in a 20,000 square foot, climate-controlled, secure venue.

During the regular session of the St. Augustine City Commission beginning at 5:00 p.m. Monday in the Alcazar Room at City Hall, Regan is expected to say the timing is good because we are in a period of total financial review of our city’s capital improvement plan.

Although the City is continuing to seek commitments from exhibitors for the 450th Commemoration, Regan says “one critical element is suitable exhibit space for demanding exhibit specifications.”

In a “chicken-or-the-egg” scenario, Regan is expected to take a “which-came-first” position, as commissioners decide if anything will have to be cut in order to pay for this expansion. Regan said, “We’ll be looking at our indebtedness, current interest rates, and adjustments we can make to achieve our goals in a difficult economy.”

Regan refers to this work as one of the “legacy projects for the commemorations”. He says, “we can get it done within 18 months — while we seek exhibits.”

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer