Study Finds Mammoth Lakes Conference Center Feasible

Construction of a multi-use conference center here has been found feasible in a study underwritten by the town, according to Andy Takata, parks and recreation director.

Construction of the estimated $8.75-million, 70,000-square-foot complex could begin between 1989 and 1991, Takata said. A committee is studying creation of a redevelopment agency to fund the project; residents will not be taxed.

Other proposed facilities included in the study are a golf course, art center, ice skating rink and swimming pool.

“Mammoth Lakes has had to turn down 15 to 20 organizations a year because it has no conference center,” Takata said. “We figure that with meeting facilities, the town could realize as much as $17.85 million a year in additional revenue.

“Our aim is to accommodate at least 36 conferences a year and about 10,800 delegate days.” While existing housing is adequate, a full-service hotel is needed to satisfy conference needs, he said.

Plans call for a ballroom/exhibit hall with stage, lobby area, theater, six meeting rooms, kitchen and pantry, offices and loading docks.

“We want to attract more people to Mammoth during slow periods and create an economic base beyond skiing,” Takata said.

Among the five sites under consideration for the center is property near the Minaret Road extension and Meridian Boulevard, where the town owns 8.8 acres. Takata said the golf course may be situated on a site north of California 203 and west of U. S. 395.

The multi-use center and golf course have top priority, with the art center, skating rink and swimming pool following in order of importance. Facilities would be available to residents as well as convention delegates.