Regents clear way for conference center

Northern Arizona University has moved one giant step closer to making an NAU hotel-conference center a reality.

With the unanimous blessing of the Arizona Board of Regents on Thursday and Wednesday's unanimous approval of a $2 million intergovernmental agreement by the Flagstaff City Council, NAU can move forward with plans to build a 37,000-square-foot center near the corner of Butler and Milton.

As conceived, the center will accommodate groups ranging from 200 to 1,000 participants. The estimated budget for the public-private project is $10 million for the center, $4 million for the parking garage and about $16 million to $18 million for the hotel.

"We're happy the city has chosen to partner with us on this exciting project," said NAU President John Haeger. "This is a win-win situation for all parties."

Drury Southwest Inc., a family-owned company, is the sole bidder for the hotel project. It operates hotels from New Mexico to the Carolinas and from Michigan to Texas, including a hotel along the San Antonio River Walk.

At the start of the meeting, the Regents heard from community members who support the project.

"The conference center is important to the state of Arizona and to Northern Arizona University in order to meet and enhance the academic and public service needs of our Northern Arizona University community," said Flagstaff Mayor Joe Donaldson.

Flagstaff businessman Bruce Nordstrom said the project will be a "great economic driver" for the community, adding, "My family—my kids and my wife—all thank you."

Flagstaff 40 representative Steve Carlson, who works with strategic planning and business development for W.L. Gore & Associates, said, "This will allow us to rebuild and strengthen our economy. We thank the president for his leadership...and the city for its partnership."

The center also received praise from Stephanie McKinney, president and CEO of the Greater Flagstaff Economic Council, and Julie Pastrick, president and CEO of the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce.

Regent Ernie Calderón praised community leaders and NAU officials for coming together on the convention center project. "There's no better benchmark of a relationship than when somebody gives you money," Calderón said.

The audience at the Regents meeting applauded after the vote.

NAU and the city will now form a committee to evaluate Drury's bid. "We have a strong, positive bid, and we'll be moving forward very soon," Haeger said.