Flooring, painting and glass will be provided by Grand Island companies because no local bids were received, Himmelberg said. But the project was not chosen for the grant, ranking eighth out of 30 applicants. Himmelberg said she will reapply next year. The project will be paid for through capital improvement funds acquired through property taxes. Berens said the planned expansion will be good for the Hastings economy, drawing more groups and larger conventions than possible before.
Many conventions require that large displays, meetings and dinners be housed under one roof.
The new portion of the building can provide that with its large, open middle area of 80 by 100 feet. Lean-tos on both sides house kitchens, meeting rooms and storage and add 5,000 square feet. Officials said they also are pleased with a glassed breezeway area connecting the expansion to the existing Activities Building. Its glass doors will fold open, allowing larger equipment such as boats inside. The folding doors are one of the features suggested by conventions that rent space at the fairgrounds.