Published: October 11, 2008 04:03 pm            

Center stage

New facility to host ‘State of City’ talk, open doors to public

San Marcos — There are still boxes to be unpacked, some staff to be hired and a few dangling electrical wires to be put in place, but the San Marcos Conference Center will be ready to receive the public this week.

The center, which adjoins the Embassy Suites Hotel and Spa on Centerpoint Road and the East Access, will be the site of Mayor Susan Narvaiz’ fourth “State of the City” address on Thursday.

Prior to the 7 p.m. speech, there will be a 6 p.m. ribbon cutting, reception and “City Departments and Partners Fair” in the ballrooms and boardrooms of the Conference Center, rooms that are aptly named after local people and places including the San Marcos River Room and the Placido and Burleson boardrooms.

There are more local touches as well. Texas State University graduate Lesley Hughes is responsible for the overall, elegant design of the facility. Hughes works with Barbara Elliott Interiors of Dallas.

Reñe Backer led a small tour through the center on Friday, showing off the 28,800 square foot main ballroom partially filled with boxes containing 6,000 plates.

Backer also took those on hand into the areas of the operation the public rarely sees, for example the state-of-the-art kitchens (one commercial and one for banquets). Executive Chef James Fier said at full capacity, around 28 to 30 people will be at work in his commercial kitchen.

Executive Housekeeper Ricado Martinez noted the washing machines capable of holding loads up to 160 lbs., and an apparatus that dries and folds sheets.

The Conference Center’s breakfast grill features a 36’ buffet, though Backer noted that cook to order items will also be available.

Just off the main lobby is the spa, with natural bamboo floors and rooms for manicures, pedicures, a steam sauna and even a couple’s massage room.

The main lobby itself will feature yet-to-be finished planters and a water feature with a fountain.

Above the black marble bar are big-screen TVs and handmade blown glass lights.

There’s also an Internet cafe with Starbucks coffee and Blue Bell ice cream. (Hotel guests who pay a fee will be able to get wireless Internet anywhere inside the facility.)

There are both private and public dining areas; and the larger boardrooms and ballrooms are designed so that only half, or one third, can be used at a time.

The hotel’s grand opening will be Dec. 9.

Narvaiz said her address on Thursday will cover the city’s financial status, major projects and opportunities.

The city-owned Conference Center has 77,000 total square feet. The adjacent 10-story hotel is owned by Hammons.

        

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