RIDGELAND — Madison County has given final approval to move forward with a $120 million conference center and hotel development at Prado Vista, a project officials say will bring new opportunities for tourism, business and economic development to the area.
The project will include a 50,000-square-foot Madison County Conference Center and a privately financed 250-room Dolce by Wyndham hotel. The conference center will be able to accommodate up to 1,800 people and is designed to host conferences, corporate meetings, school banquets, trade shows and regional events.
The conference center will be the first dedicated facility of its kind in Madison County, according to the project announcement.
A key component of the public-private financing structure is the commitment to direct approximately $18.9 million in tourism rebate proceeds back to Madison County to accelerate repayment of the conference center’s construction debt. Project officials said the amount represents essentially 100% of the project’s tourism rebate proceeds rather than being retained as a developer incentive.
The conference center will be financed through an urban-renewal bond structure, while the hotel will be privately financed by PraCon. The combined investment is estimated at approximately $120 million.
The hotel will operate under the Dolce by Wyndham brand and is expected to be the first Dolce hotel in Mississippi. The property will include multiple dining venues and amenities intended to support the conference center and the broader Prado Vista development, which is currently home to Topgolf.
Madison County Board of Supervisors President Gerald Steen called the project a strategic investment in the county’s future.
“The public-private structure shows what strong partnerships can accomplish across Madison County,” Steen said.
Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee said the conference center addresses a need that local leaders have discussed for years.
“This project gives our city and county something we have needed for many years,” McGee said.
Joseph P. Deason, executive director of the Madison County Economic Development Authority, said the facility will give the county another tool for attracting businesses and investment.
“This conference center changes the landscape of Madison County,” Deason said. “It’s not just a building; it’s a recruitment tool that helps us compete for corporate relocations, conventions and investment we simply couldn’t pursue before.”
Sam Kelly, chairman of the Madison County Business League & Foundation, said the project is expected to benefit local businesses, including restaurants, retailers and service providers.
PraCon Global Investment Group CEO and President Gabriel Prado thanked state and local officials and other partners involved in bringing the project forward.
“We are honored to carry their vision forward at Prado Vista and to deliver a conference center and hotel that will serve Madison County for generations,” Prado said.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts President and CEO Geoff Ballotti said the company sees the Ridgeland property as a potential hospitality destination for Mississippi and the region.
The project is expected to generate additional overnight stays, restaurant and retail spending, tourism and economic activity throughout Madison County.
