Palm Springs advances $125.5 million convention center modernization with contractor selection process

The city has begun the formal process of selecting contractors for a $125.5 million convention center modernization project, issuing requests for qualifications (RFQs) for architectural and engineering services and an owner’s representative.

The city announced Wednesday evening that it released the RFQs as part of its plan to renovate and expand the Palm Springs Convention Center at 277 North Avenida Caballeros while improving pedestrian connections between the facility and downtown. An additional RFQ for urban design services will be issued later this month.

The project will be delivered in three stages, according to city documents. Stage 1 includes interior renovations, facility upgrades and critical capital projects. Stage 2 will expand the convention center’s eastern entrance to increase capacity for large-scale and outdoor events. Stage 3 involves a master plan update and neighborhood improvements, including pedestrian, multimodal and streetscape upgrades.

Mayor Ron deHarte said during a city council meeting Wednesday evening that the city has already lost an estimated 77 conventions due to the facility’s outdated technology and amenities. “We haven’t kept up with the Joneses, and we’ve lost the bells and whistles,” he said.

The convention center, which opened in 1984 and was expanded in 2005, serves as a cornerstone of Palm Springs’ tourism economy. Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein, who is co-leading a stakeholder committee with deHarte, said the facility’s unique downtown connectivity sets it apart from competitors.

“Part of this connectivity is really focusing obviously the main arteries are Andreas and Amado, but really looking at Tahquitz and Alejo to reach as much of the business community that we can,” Bernstein said during the Wednesday council meeting.

The city has been working with stakeholder groups since January to develop the modernization plan. Four working groups have focused on capital improvements, urban design and connectivity, public finance, and tourism improvement district revenue sources.

City Economic Development Officer Wayne Olson said the city expects to award contracts for the architect and owner’s representative in November, with the urban design and branding team selection in December. Work would begin in January with a goal of completion by 2030.

The city is exploring several funding approaches, including consideration of a citywide Tourism Infrastructure District alongside existing Measure J and Measure A financing tools. The goal is to ensure convention dollars are reinvested back into the facility and community.

Prequalification conferences for the RFQs are scheduled for Sept. 17 and 18. The city’s procurement process includes a local preference scoring category to encourage participation by local businesses and firms.

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