What’s happening
The closure will begin in December and last approximately 12-18 months, Downtown and Tourism Director Kim McAuliffe said at a Dec. 9 City Council workshop.
During the closure, guests can find Visitors Center services at the new Downtown Development and Special Events office in the city-owned parking garage. All operations will continue as normal from the new office, McAuliffe said.
The $2.5 million renovation is funded by the city’s hotel occupancy tax fund, and includes:
- Interior layout updates
- An updated retail and merchandise display
- Additional restrooms
- Safety improvements
- Structural repairs
Georgetown’s Visitors Center sees about 40,000 guests per year, McAuliffe said. In 2019, the city’s tourism strategic plan found the Visitors Center required updates due to infrastructure issues, she said.
City officials considered relocating the office or building a new facility, but ultimately decided to renovate the existing space. By upgrading the Visitors Center now, the city can avoid more expensive issues, modernize the building, and ensure long-term accessibility and functionality, McAuliffe said.
