Brookings May Get New Convention Center

(AP) - A new convention center and 100-room hotel could be coming to Brookings.

The City Council is considering a plan that would build onto the existing city-owned Swiftel Center. Proposed developer Paul Hegg of Hegg Companies says the center and hotel would be "an awesome opportunity" for the city.

Officials say the proposed full-service hotel would be located east of the existing center on about three acres of city-owned land. The convention center would be leased by the city on a 15- to 20-year lease-purchase agreement.

The Brookings Register reports that advocates say the development could draw 15,000 more visitors to the community each year.

The proposal returns to the council for discussion Tuesday.