“The original cost was based on estimates,” said Kassi Bybee, general manager of the conference center, located at 2415 Washington Blvd. and owned and operated by Weber County. As design details have been formulated “and the construction company secured, we have a more accurate cost to the project. The cost of construction has significantly risen.”

She said the cost of improving the conference center’s heating and air condition system was also added to the total. Funding for the work is to come from county funds, including money generated by a special tourism tax.

Weber County commissioners last Tuesday approved an amendment to the contract with VCBO Architecture, helping oversee the project, containing the new cost estimate. That document, too, cited rising construction costs for the cost increase.

The county “is committed and contracts have been signed and approved. The asset is aging and the remodel is necessary,” Bybee said. Work is to start later this fall with completion anticipated in the spring of 2025.

The Eccles plans call for a major upgrade to the facility, built in 1997. Among the planned changes are new flooring, improvements to the kitchen and outdoor terrace area, new LED lighting throughout the facility to reduce energy use and more. Furthermore, the agreement with VCBO states that ballrooms, meeting rooms, bathrooms, lounge spaces and more would also get facelifts.

Hogan Construction of Centerville is to handle the work.