Things are moving fast at the old Civic Center property.
What used to be just a giant parking lot is now the spot for a brand-new, six-story building that’s already got people working in it.
That building? It’s the regional headquarters for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The city’s also building a fresh parking garage right next door, and that’s about to hit a big milestone. A ribbon cutting is set for June 30.
This is the first major visible step in what’s shaping up to be a complete transformation of the area.
And it’s only the beginning.
A Parking Garage That Does More
The garage isn’t just a place to stash your car. It’s tied into the bigger vision.
City officials want to make it easier for people to get to the new downtown arena, which is already under construction.
This garage will also support nearby office workers, like those at the Corps of Engineers, and future visitors to whatever else pops up on the site.
The council is reviewing a request to add $30 million to the existing $38.1 million garage contract.
Why? The city wants to make sure things like an entrance on Canal Street, fire alarms, security cameras, and some overdue painting make it into the final build.
The Master Plan is Coming to Life
There’s a bigger picture here.
According to James Barber, the mayor’s chief of staff, the Corps building was always part of the long-term plan.
It replaces what used to be open surface parking. Now it’s all about maximizing space and planning smart.
The full vision includes the arena, then maybe a hotel. A theater could be in the mix too. Add in mixed-use spaces and possibly residential, and you’ve got a serious new hub in the works.
This is how a city block turns into a destination.
Money Moves Behind the Scenes
The proposal up for a vote next week is a bit of a budget shuffle. Two $150,000 transfers are planned: one from a capital improvement reserve fund and another from the parking deck’s marketing contingency fund.
The extra dollars aren’t about covering mistakes—they’re about moving planned expenses into the right column so the arena budget stays focused and clean.
The current contractor already on site will handle the added work. It keeps things efficient.
What’s Next for the Area
The garage and Corps building are just phase one. The arena is the real centerpiece, and its early construction is already underway.
Once that’s built, you can expect to see new announcements roll out—possibly about a hotel, a theater, or apartments.
Bit by bit, the Civic Center site is turning into something new. The city’s vision is clear: create a space that blends entertainment, work, and daily life, right in the heart of downtown.
There’s change in the air—and you’ll start seeing it from the ground up
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