Location picked for downtown Lincoln convention center

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A convention center is being planned at 13th and M streets in downtown Lincoln.

The location was announced Thursday, more than a year after the selection process began.

If it is approved, the convention center will fill the block south of the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel.

Most of the buildings there are unoccupied.

Assemble Lincoln, the committee overseeing the project, said it considered multiple factors in picking the best location.

Rep. Mike Flood, whose office was represented on the committee, said this site is ideally located between the Haymarket and the state Capitol.

State Sen. Eliot Bostar, chair of the committee, said the project will drive economic growth.

“Together, we are laying the foundation for a future of expanded tourism, job creation, and regional prosperity,” he said in a press release.

The southern part of the Gold’s building and the Haymarket post office were the other finalists for the convention center.

Assemble Lincoln will now begin negotiations with the landowners on the block and apply for state funds for the project.