City of Ashland

conference center project

A Transformational Investment in Our Future

The State of Kentucky has invested $25 million in the City of Ashland to build a state-of-the-art conference center, marking one of the largest economic development projects in our city’s history. This project is designed to enhance downtown, drive tourism, and create new opportunities for businesses, visitors, and our community.

As we move forward, transparency and collaboration remain the top priorities of our City Leadership. This webpage will serve as the single source of truth for all updates, timelines, and public engagement opportunities. We invite you to stay informed, ask questions, and be part of this exciting chapter for Ashland.

This webpage provides a comprehensive overview of the conference center project in Ashland, KY. It includes key documents, a current list of downtown venues with their square footage, an excerpt from the City of Ashland’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan for Downtown, a project summary, and a breakdown of the funding sources that make up the capital stack. Additionally, visitors can find opportunities for public input and access news articles from The Daily Independent covering the project.


IMPORTANT DOCUMENTs

Links for each document can be found below.

City of Ashland Comprehensive Plan 2020 - The Ashland Comprehensive Plan is a guide for the development, revitalization, and preservation of the City of Ashland.  It is a reflection of public and governmental input, local policy desires, and Kentucky statutes.  The Comprehensive Plan is used by the Ashland Planning Commission and the City of Ashland as its blueprint for the future.  It is a living, breathing document that allows Ashland to know where we are headed and how we will get there - this plan is one of our keys to success.  

Feasibility Study 12/09/2022 - an in-depth analysis that evaluates the viability of developing and operating a conference center in Ashland, KY. It examines the potential demand, financial sustainability, and operational requirements to determine whether the project is practical and likely to succeed.

Conference Center RFI (Request for Information) 08/25/2023 - The City of Ashland, Kentucky is issuing this Request for Information (“RFI”) to solicit feedback and creative ideas from innovative and capable teams on how to deliver a conference center and parking facility (the “Project”) as a public-private partnership (“P3”). Ashland recently completed a feasibility study (“Feasibility Study”) that determined there is a strong demand for a downtown conference center and that the Project’s operations would be financially viable. In addition to the Conference Center P3, Ashland is open to exploring a Private Partner assuming responsibility for the City’s parking system and event space operations. Ashland is now seeking developer, investor, and operator interest in and feedback on the Project, to include the best uses of the conference center facility to meet the City’s needs while generating maximum revenue to support the Project. Interested parties are invited to submit written information as well as schedule one-on-one meetings with the City to provide verbal feedback.

Conference Center RFP (Request for Proposals) 10/03/2023 - A public request for proposals to enter into a public-private partnership (“P3”) agreement (“P3 Agreement”) to (A) design, build, finance, operate, and/or maintain (“DBFOM”) a conference center and parking facility (the “Conference Center”), (B) operate, maintain, and potentially further develop the City’s entire parking system (“Parking System”), and/or (C) manage the City’s event spaces, and (D) other innovative proposals that further its Objectives (collectively, the “Project”). While Ashland prefers a comprehensive DBFOM Proposal for the Conference Center, Respondents (“Respondents” or “Private Partners”) may submit Proposals to some or all of the DBFOM components, such as DBF or DBOM. Respondents may submit multiple types of Proposals and alternative Proposals.

Other Documents - Attachments and Addendums to the RFP (Request for Proposal).

Original Project Proposal 11/09/2023 - officially selected and approved response to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development, design, construction, or management of the City of Ashland’s conference center. The document that proposes the agreed-upon scope of work, budget, timeline, and responsibilities between the contracting entity and the selected firm or vendor.

Timeline and Site Comparison 2025 - A summery overview of the timeline of decisions made by the conference center committee in 2024 as well as a comparison of the two sites in consideration.

Glossary - a list of terms and their definitions, that provides explanations for specialized or technical words used in a specific document, or subject. It serves as a reference tool to help readers understand key concepts, jargon, or industry-specific language.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENT links


Current venues in Downtown Ashland, KY

Paramount Arts Center - 1,400 seat theater and banquet hall

Highlands Center at the Highlands Museum - 11,000 square feet

Delta Hotel Downtown - 4,950 square feet

Ashand Train Depot - 3,785 square feet

Camayo Room in the Camayo Arcade - capacity 80 people

Gathered AKY - capacity 50 people


City of Ashland comprehensive plan for downtown (2020)

Ashland’s downtown is an entertainment destination.

  • Create or enhance key partnerships, including public-private partnerships, to aid in redeveloping downtown.

  • Promote downtown as a destination for shopping, dining, live music and the arts/entertainment, and tourism for all ages.

  • Promote downtown living opportunities with a focus on young professionals and seniors.

  • Support building rehabilitation and development of vacant lots.

  • Develop Ashland as a “gateway” into Kentucky, capitalizing on tourism, entertainment, and the local history and culture.

  • Protect historic or significant buildings or spaces that are unique to Ashland.

View the Full Comprehensive Plan here.


Project summary

The City of Ashland is committed to ensuring this project reflects the needs and aspirations of our community. We invite you to stay informed, share your feedback, and join us in shaping a future that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

why a conference center?

The Conference Center Project is designed to elevate our city as a premier destination for meetings, events, and tourism. Made possible through a $25 million investment from the state of Kentucky, this facility will provide a modern, flexible space for regional and state conferences, corporate gatherings, community events, and more. A dedicated conference space has been a missing piece in our city’s growth. This new facility will provide economic and regional benefits as well as make a community and cultural impact.

Economic and Regional Benefits

  1. Capitalizing on Drive-In Markets:

    • Located within a 2-3 hour drive of several metropolitan areas (e.g., Columbus, Cincinnati, Lexington), Ashland can position itself as a convenient hub for state and regional associations that rotate events across Kentucky and the tri-state region.

  2. Filling a Regional Gap:

    • The conference center would meet a significant need for a mid-sized venue between larger urban centers and smaller rural facilities, attracting events that require something "just right" in terms of space and accommodations.

  3. Boost for Tourism in Off-Seasons:

    • Conferences and conventions occur year-round, helping to fill hotel rooms and drive foot traffic to local businesses during slower tourism seasons.

  4. Conference Spinoff Tourism:

    • Attendees often return for leisure visits with their families, benefiting Ashland’s broader tourism economy. A conference center effectively serves as a first introduction to our city’s hospitality and charm​.

Community and Cultural Impact

  1. A Cultural Hub for the Region:

    • Beyond professional events, the conference center can host cultural and educational events like art expos, heritage festivals, wellness fairs, or speaker series, further reinforcing Ashland's identity as a hub for creativity and community pride.

  2. A Platform for Local Talent:

    • Provide space for local entrepreneurs, artists, and creators to showcase their work at trade shows, exhibitions, and pop-up events, tying into Ashland’s "Create with Us" brand.

  3. Strengthened Relationships with Institutions:

    • Collaborate with universities and colleges in the region (like Ashland Community and Technical College or Ohio University) to host academic conferences, student showcases, and professional development workshops. Partnering with UK King’s Daughters Medical Center we can host medical symposiums, workforce training programs, and continuing education initiatives, strengthening career pathways in healthcare and beyond.

  4. Support for Local Organizations:

    • Nonprofits, civic groups, and small businesses often struggle to find professional venues for fundraisers, galas, and training sessions. A local conference center would fill this gap, enhancing the quality and professionalism of these events.

cAPiTAL sTACK

$33,750,000.00

$25,000,000.00
7,000,000.00
1,000,000.00
750,000.00

STATE APPROPRIATONS
CITY OF ASHLAND BOND
AMLER GRANT
WOODLANDS FOUNDATION

CONFERENCE CENTER COMMITTEE MEETINGS
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of Every Month
12:00 pm
Commission Chambers on the 3rd Floor of the City Building
1700 Greenup Avenue

Opportunities for public input

in the news

By Henry Culvyhouse The Daily Independent | July 30, 2021

By Henry Culvyhouse The Daily Independent | Dec. 15, 2022

By Mary Jane Epling The Daily Independent | March 17, 2024