MONROEVILLE, Pa. (KDKA) — The Monroeville Convention Center will stay open, a coalition of leaders announced Tuesday.
Monroeville officials said they were blindsided by the news last month that the convention center was going to close and turn into a Hobby Lobby in June. After learning of the closure, leaders said they worked to tell Hobby Lobby and Oxford Development Company how important the convention center is to the community, and the two companies agreed it was best to pursue termination of the Hobby Lobby lease.
“We want to thank Hobby Lobby and Oxford for their sincere effort to reach a positive outcome,” Monroeville Mayor Nick Gresock said in a video.
The state, county and municipality worked on a transition plan that leaders say will result in the convention center operating as a “long-term community asset under either a new community- or government-based ownership structure; or a government-backed lease.”
Several elected leaders, including Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Sen. Jim Brewster and Sen. Jay Costa released a joint statement, saying:
“The Monroeville Convention Center is saved! We are happy to announce that the MCC will continue to welcome tens of thousands of visitors each year, supporting hundreds of local jobs and generating millions in economic activity.
“Today’s announcement is the result of several weeks of discussions, including information sharing about the MCC’s large impact. We want to thank Hobby Lobby and Oxford for their sincere effort to reach a positive outcome. Everybody at the table worked behind the scenes to deliver a result that will see the MCC become a properly owned and funded community asset.”
Monroeville officials say they’ll begin reaching out to vendors of shows and events that were previously scheduled for June 1 and beyond in hopes of getting them back into the convention center as planned.
There was so much public outcry, other venues stepped up to help. 247 Fighting Championships offered their 27,000 square-foot space when it becomes available this summer. KDKA-TV’s Shelley Bortz caught up with the owner again when the news broke.
“There were at least 10 businesses that reached out, like instant. It was very clear that there was a need, that there was a scramble for a lot of people,” Hunter Homistek said.
“My initial reaction was just being extremely happy for the people that were initially so heavily impacted by that,” he added.
Jessica Roberts is a seasoned business writer who deciphers the intricacies of the corporate world. With a focus on finance and entrepreneurship, she provides readers with valuable insights into market trends, startup innovations, and economic developments.
