City leaders choose front-runner convention center proposal for old Courthouse

City leaders are narrowing down a list of Downtown Convention Center proposals.

An evaluation committee ranked the Jacobs Engineering Group Convention Center plan as the top choice among three options to replace the old Courthouse and City Hall annex.

The more than $700 million plan includes not only a convention center and hotel, but also a water feature, standalone restaurant and ground-level retail.

However, this is far from a done deal There are still questions whether this is the location where a convention center will ultimately land.

Downtown Investment Authority CEO Aundra Wallace called it a “generational decision.”

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Jaguars’ owner Shad Khan’s investment group, Iguana Investments, has proposed a convention center project close to TIAA Bank Field.

The DIA will be discussing options with Mayor Lenny Curry’s office and city council members over the next few weeks.

“Ultimately it’s up to the administration and the mayor,” said Councilman Reggie Gaffney.

Cox Media Group