DETROIT (CBS Detroit) – Crews are working on the final phase of Cobo Center’s nearly six-year, $279 million renovation, which in the span of a few short years has enhanced and improved the nearly 50-year-old, waterfront convention center.
The project began six years ago with the formation of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority, which immediately went to work on and construction of the multi-stage renovation and expansion.
“The renovation is nearing completion, and it has been a very fast track program,” said Thom Connors, regional vice president and general manager SMG/Cobo Center, who added the center remained open and hosting events during the project. “The is already evident. The last four months, April through July, we only have four open dates here at Cobo.”
As work nears completion, Cobo Center is looking to include metro Detroit high school seniors and college students in the project by launching the inaugural 30/60 Video Scholarship.
According to organizers, applicants can produce a 30- or 60- second video showcasing the character, determination and ingenuity of the city of Detroit, using Cobo Center as a focal point. Video scholarship entries must feature images and video of both Detroit and Cobo Center.
The winning entries will debut on Cobo Center’s 6,000 square-foot video board Thursday, June 25. The winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship and four finalists will receive a $500 scholarship during a special presentation in Cobo Center’s fully equipped, state-of-the-art and broadcast studio. The winners’ schools will receive a donation match, totaling $6,000 to metro Detroit students and schools.
are now open through June 5, and students can submit their videos by visiting www.cobocenter.com/cobo-3060. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college or maintain a high school senior status at a National Academy of Arts and Science (NATAS) affiliated high school.
“(Cobo Center) really has become a symbol which reflects all the good things that are happening to bring back Detroit,” said Connors.
PHOTO CREDIT: Susan Montgomery / Shutterstock.com (<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-408046p1.html?cr=00&pl=edit-00">Susan Montgomery</a> / <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/editorial?cr=00&pl=edit-00">Shutterstock.com</a>)
