Briefing: DCU Center Facelift
A drawing of the main entry of the DCU Center after the completion of intended renovations. This was part of a schematic design for the arena done by Sasaki Associates, the architect for the project.
The DCU Center in Worcester is about to undergo its first major renovations in 30 years as the city and the arena’s management team seek to remain competitive with other New England venues. Built in 1982 as the Centrum, the 15,000-seat arena had a convention center added onto it in 1997.
What do the renovations include?
Much of the work will be visible to passers-by and event-goers, including a new concourse on Foster Street, plus a lobby, landscaping and added bathroom and retail space. The venue will also get its first two party suites, which city officials hope will help draw more corporate sponsors.
The guts of the arena will also be overhauled with a new chiller room, as well as mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection system upgrades.
When will work begin?
Some of it will happen this summer and early fall, but the bulk of it will occur the summer of 2013, said Heather Gould, senior project manager for the city’s executive office of economic development.
Who’s paying for it?
The city is allowed to keep some meals and hotel tax revenues from an area surrounding the DCU Center, thanks to an act by the state Legislature in 2006. The legislation dictates that the city can borrow up to $30 million from revenues that would otherwise go to the state. The district includes the Hilton Garden Inn, Uno’s restaurant, retail space on the ground floor of the Major Taylor parking garage, and the Residence Inn on Plantation Street.
What’s not included?
The city has identified a full renovation plan that would cost more than $60 million. But barring an additional appropriation from the city council, the DCU must borrow within its means from the financing district. Gould said the city is authorized under the financing district to borrow up to $30 million at a time, but the amount is weighted depending on the DCU’s financial picture.
The final phase of renovations, which will not take place in the foreseeable future, would include an overhaul of the arena bowl and seating, completion of a full concourse, and upgrades to the backstage areas, elevators and bathrooms. n
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