I'm leaning that way, too.
Plus, I looked at the numbers presented by the Ames Convention Center presentation and I think they're being creative with the numbers. http://amesgatheringplace.com/Portals/0/Ames_Convention_Center_Presentation.pdf
They claim 457 events will attend annually. 457! More than 1 a day, with an economic impact of $29 million in local spending. Scheman already hosts events so I doubt this number is accurate. I doubt an additional 457 events will come. Perhaps they mean 457 events total, but how many of those events are already held at Scheman each year? 100, 200, 400? It's not specified. So, I can only assume that the gross local spending they are calculating is inaccurate (or at least assumes 457 events total) without further clarification.
Also, it claims to add 500 jobs. Really? 500 more jobs? Again, the same problem cited above is present with the numbers pertaining to 500 jobs. I imagine Scheman already provides jobs (100, 200? - I don't know), so the real net gain is probably much lower. How many of these jobs are student / part-time jobs and how many are full-time?
Hopefully much more information will come to light over the next few weeks. I think Ames has done a great job passing the bond issue for the reconstruction of the Library (which occurred before I returned to Ames), and reconstructing the elementary schools, but this isn't as much of a public good as is education, healthcare or other related needs. My mind isn't made up yet, but I'm leaning toward "no."
There are upcoming public meetings on this project if you want to learn more or ask questions:
[h=3]Proposed expansion at Iowa State Center is topic of public meetings[/h] January 10, 2014
The Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau will host three public meetings on Thursday, Jan. 16 (10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., all in 4 Scheman Building), to give Ames voters a chance to learn more about the March 4 bond referendum for the proposed renovation and expansion of the Scheman Building as a convention center. The estimated $38 million project would renovate Scheman and attach a new building to its north side. The cost would be split evenly between the university and the city, with -- if voters approve it -- the city's portion funded by a bond sale.