IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO THE PLAZA IN DOWNTOWN ALBUQUERQUE LATELY YOU'RE IN FOR A SURPRISE. THE REMODELING OF THE CONVENTION CENTER IS ENTERING IT'S FINAL PHASES WITH COMPLETION PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER.
ALBUQUERQUE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR MICHAEL RIORDAN SAYS THE NEW TOWER ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE BUILDING ACTUALLY SERVES AN IMPORTANT PURPOSE. ABOUT THREE-QUARTERS OF THE TOWER REACHES THE HEIGHT OF A NEW BALCONY IS OFF OF THE BALLROOM AND SERVES AS AN EMERGENCY EXIT. HE SAYS A LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE THE TOP OF THE TOWER, ACTING, IN RIORDAN'S WORDS, AS A BEACON FOR THE DOWNTOWN AREA.
THE PROJECT CARRIES A PRICE TAG OF 24 MILLION DOLLARS.
