CLARKSVILLE, IN (August 3, 2023) – The future of development in South Clarksville becomes even brighter with the announcement that the area has been selected as the preferred location for a new Southern Indiana Conference Center. That decision was the result of a feasibility study commissioned by SoIN Tourism and conducted by Johnson Consulting, which compared the location in South Clarksville to the former Jeffboat site in Jeffersonville.
The study examined funding strategies for the conference center project; a summary of various public-private partnership structures; preliminary cost estimates; an assessment of the project’s various risks along with strategies for mitigating those risks; and recommendations for both the site and management structure of the facility. It was determined that Clarksville was the preferred site due to lower costs, the ability to get the project faster to market, and because the site is located in the new South Clarksville development area.
“Our vision for South Clarksville is to transition from a former industrial area into a walkable community with immediate access to retail, restaurants, parks, and other recreational opportunities,” said Kevin Baity, Clarksville Town Manager. “A future hotel and conference center was always a part of that vision, so this feasibility study simply confirms that South Clarksville is the place to be.”
To make that vision a reality, the Town of Clarksville will be growing its partnership with SoIN Tourism for the development of the conference center.
“The release of the feasibility study’s Phase III results marks the end of a lengthy process that SoIN Tourism embarked on pre-pandemic,” said Jim Epperson, Executive Director of SoIN Tourism. “Johnson Consulting has provided us with more than enough evidence showing Southern Indiana is a prime location to host events and conferences. Now, with a preferred site identified, the real work begins as we advance this initiative further.”
The conference center project is in the very early stages, so a timeline for design and construction has not been set. SoIN Tourism, the Town of Clarksville, and the Clarksville Redevelopment Commission will be working together in the coming months to plan for the development of the conference center project. Although there is a long road ahead, Clarksville leaders are excited to get started.
“Good news never gets old,” said Ryan Ramsey, Clarksville Town Council President. “The momentum in South Clarksville keeps growing and we are beyond excited to help bring a much-needed Conference Center to Southern Indiana.”