RIDGELAND — The city of Ridgeland has formally recognized its partnership with Madison County in advancing a long-discussed conference center project that received final approval from the Madison County Board of Supervisors Sept. 8.
The Ridgeland Mayor and Board of Aldermen adopted a resolution recognizing the work of the county and its economic development partners in moving the Madison County Conference Center forward.
The project, more than two decades in the making, calls for a roughly 50,000-square-foot conference center at Prado Vista capable of accommodating up to 1,800 people. It will be paired with a privately financed 250-room Dolce by Wyndham hotel, which will be the first Dolce property in Mississippi. The combined investment is expected to total about $120 million.
The city’s resolution expresses appreciation to the Madison County Board of Supervisors, Madison County Economic Development Authority, Mississippi Development Authority and Madison County Business League & Foundation for their roles in advancing the project.
“This is how important projects get done,” Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee said. “The City and County brought different responsibilities and resources to the table, but we remained focused on a shared vision.”
The conference center is designed to accommodate major conferences, corporate meetings, school banquets, trade shows and regional events that officials say previously could not be accommodated locally.
The project’s financial structure includes approximately $18.9 million in anticipated tourism-rebate proceeds designated for Madison County conference-center debt service. According to the city, PraCon also has pledged conference-center revenues and agreed to a capped management fee. If those revenues are insufficient, the financing agreements allow Madison County to levy a special assessment against the adjoining hotel property to cover a deficiency.
The 250-room hotel will be privately financed by PraCon.
“The significance of this project extends beyond the building itself,” Madison County Board of Supervisors President Gerald Steen said. “It shows what can be accomplished through steady leadership, sound financial planning, and a healthy partnership between local governments.”
The conference center and hotel are expected to bring meetings and visitors to the area while supporting restaurants, retailers, hotels and other service businesses.
The City of Ridgeland said it will continue working with Madison County and the project’s other partners as the development moves toward construction and operation.
