Boston's Hynes Center Avoids Guillotine, Begins $18M Renovation

With talks of its closing in the past, Boston's John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center—relegated to secondary status after the 2004 opening of the much larger Boston Convention & Exhibition Center—nevertheless will undergo an $18 million renovation, including structural and technological improvements.

"We think it warrants this investment," said James Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, which operates both convention centers.

A December 2006 report by a special legislative commission concluded that Hynes remains a viable convention and meetings facility, but that the MCCA should explore opportunities to enhance the revenue performance of this real estate asset. The last time the Hynes received major upgrades was in the 1980s, Rooney said.

Roughly $10 million will go toward physical improvements, Rooney said.

These physical improvements include a change in carpeting, painting and lighting. The company recently hired architectural and design firm Sasaki Associates to create the interior design for the Hynes.

"We're going to try to introduce some energy and water management systems," Rooney said, adding the center will be more efficient and environmentally friendly.

In addition, there are plans to upgrade Hynes' technology. "It's kind of '80s technology right now," Rooney said. The convention center will allow for improved wireless and cell phone service. "On the technology side, meeting planners and attendees expect certain features. They expect to be able to use their cell phone and open up their laptop," he said.

Rooney also mentioned installing plasma screen televisions.

In addition, the Hynes' safety and security systems will be upgraded to current standards. The fire alarm system will be replaced. In addition, there are plans to install life safety equipment stations, new room security systems in all exhibition halls and meeting spaces and a complete upgrade of the internal security camera and communications systems.

Approximately $8 million will be used to develop retail in three different areas, each 10,000 square feet, Rooney said. "We expect that the retail space that we are making available will generate $1.5 million per year," he said.

Local meeting planners held mixed opinions as to Hynes' viability and necessity in the wake of the BCEC's opening.

"We were strong proponents of keeping it open," said Kathleen Chrisom, vice president of sales and marketing at Boston-based special event management firm Conventures Inc. Depending on the size of the group, the Hynes can be ideal, Chrisom said, and Conventures uses the Hynes a dozen times each year.

During the Boston Marathon, the firm takes up the entire first floor and 100,000 square feet of consumer space for a runners' expo. "It's considered the best runners' expo in the country. I think the venue has something to do with that," Chrisom said. "It's just one of the best facilities in nation." She said that the improvements will only add value to the convention center.

Jill Tate, partner of Boston-based event management firm Corinthian Events, disagreed. "They're sending money in the wrong place," she said, adding that the city should be putting money into developing the BCEC, especially as the Hynes already has retail areas, but the BCEC does not.

"Let the Hynes be dormant, but really concentrate your effort on the new building that you spent a gazillion dollars on," she said.

Rooney said the Hynes and the BCEC complement each other well. Located on the South Boston Waterfront, the BCEC's 500,000 square feet of exhibition space allows trade shows that couldn't fit in the Hynes to come to or stay in Boston. Rooney said former Hynes events New England Grows and the International Seafood Show each grew by 20 to 30 percent after moving to the BCEC.

"They have different characteristics," Rooney said of the two centers. "With respect to the physical improvements, I just think it's time."

The Hynes does fairly well in the corporate meetings segment, Rooney said, and added he expects that will continue with the renovations, which are already underway. "The Hynes has found a nice niche in a midsize meeting range," Rooney said.

Rooney said the renovations would not affect pricing.

There is not yet a set date to complete those renovations, but Rooney said: "I think we're pretty confident that we can get this done in two years. We're going to work on this between events schedules."

After the renovations are complete, the Hynes may see more business, said Catherine Chaulet, senior vice president of events for chauffeured transportation firm BostonCoach. "For the most part, a site has already been selected by the client, but when it is our call, the renovations woulddefinitely make a difference in our decision making," she said.