Grand Traverse County commissioners approved a brownfield plan for the Park Place Hotel Wednesday - the last step in the local approval process after the plan previously received the green light from the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Downtown Development Authority and Traverse City commission.

The brownfield plan outlines $2.6 million in local eligible reimbursement funding in relation to the demolition of the Park Place dome and construction of a new conference center, including just under $1 million to the Park Place for demolition and clean-up costs and $1.6 million to fund three major public improvement projects downtown. Multiple representatives from other Traverse City hotels came forward in support of the conference center Wednesday, saying it would boost not only the Park Place but their properties as well, fostering a "year-round" economic boost in conventions and events that could help fill hotel rooms across the city. 

"There's no question in my mind that a convention center in Traverse City will be busy, and it will be busy twelve months a year," agreed Commissioner Sonny Wheelock. "And that's great for our community." Commissioner Cheryl Gore Follette also voiced support for the project, saying the the Park Place was "an icon" and that it was "important we save this little gem." Park Place officials have stated the conference center and other property updates are imperative to modernize the hotel and keep it competitive in the marketplace.

"I look forward to its revitalization," Gore Follette. "I think it's going to be great."

Officials have stated demolition on the Park Place property could begin later this spring or early summer, with a targeted 2018 opening for the new conference center.