LAYTON -- With the first convention booked for the Davis Conference Center expansion, officials are still hoping for a February construction completion. "February is when we're supposed to be done," says Scott Lunt, Conference Center CEO. "So far, they're on schedule is what we're hearing from the contractor."

Ascent Construction of Centerville is general contractor on the 43,000 square foot expansion.

Kroger Layton Dairy, a regular client of the center, is the first business contracted to use a portion of the expansion space.

"Their booking is for March 29," so that February date needs to be met, Lunt said.

"There are a lot of other bookings that we're looking at, a couple of other deals, but they haven't signed a contract yet," he said.

"We're excited about it. It's nice to have that first booking in already, " said County Commission Chairman Alan Hansen.

Speaking of construction progress, he said Wednesday morning, "I was by there this morning. The foundation is in, and it's moving along. It's nice to see it taking shape.

"If the weather stays nice enough to continue working through the winter, we should see that (February completion) happen. Everything seems to be on track, even with the little hiccups. The parking lot is done."

There were some modifications needed to complete the new parking lot, across the street from the center.

The Kroger Layton Dairy holds frequent training sessions and other meetings at the conference center.

"The conference center makes our meetings easy," said Kroger CEO Scott Denaugul. "The location, food and atmosphere are ideal for our needs...and the addition will serve our larger meetings well."

The firm manufactures dairy, bakery, deli, soft drinks and other grocery products only a couple of miles from the conference center, where it has been located for decades.

"They really represent what we are trying to accomplish at the center," said Lunt of Kroger. "They are a local Davis County business that makes us proud to serve businesses right here at home."

The Davis County Convention & Visitors Bureau also has "two or three groups we're working on with proposals," said Kathi Dysert, director of sales and marketing.

"A few more have ex-pressed interest, once the expansion is completed," she said.

The expansion will basically double the size of the center. The expansion includes an 18,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 7,000-square-foot ballroom, with the ability to combine both into one larger facility, and over 3,000 square feet in pre-function space.

Ascent bid $7,633,000 on the project, plus a $200,000 alternate to replace stone tile in the existing building. Only one other bid was received.

Funds to pay for the expansion are coming from tourism-related taxes, not property taxes, county officials have emphasized.



tbusselberg@davisclipper.com