Quarter Horse Congress Construction: What’s the $38 Million Going to Be Used For?
By: Brittany Bevis
No more leaky roof in the Gilligan Building, an upgraded electrical system, and a new 1,000 stall permanent barn structure are just a few of the much-needed improvements that will now be possible thanks to the $38 million state allocation for construction at the Ohio State Expo Center. Although the Expo Center has served as the home for the All American Quarter Horse Congress since its creation in 1967, rumors quickly spread last year that show officials would consider a new location for the event, if improvements weren’t made to the facility.
Because the Expo Center’s 10-year contract with the Congress expires next year, the state needed to decide quickly whether they would “pony up” the cash to keep the largest single-breed horse show in the world in its rightful home. While $38 million in improvements seems like a lot of money, OQHA Executive Director Dr. Scott Myers explains the amount is a fair investment considering the fact that the Quarter Horse Congress brings $180 million every year into the local economy.
The All American Quarter Horse Congress has been held in Ohio since 1967.
We had the chance to speak with Dr. Myers to discuss what changes will be in store for the Quarter Horse Congress, as early as 2015.
“Part of the plan is a provision for a new equine stalling building on the Fairgrounds that would have approximately 1,000 stalls,” Myers says. “It would be nearly the size of the north end of the existing Gillian barn. There’s also $11 million allocated to improve existing structures on the Fairgrounds. Included in that is a provision for upgrading the existing Gilligan Building with things like the leaky roof, upgrading the electrical system, and providing new stalls in that building.”
In addition, the state designated funds will go towards the construction of a new 100,000 square foot multi-purpose building to be built north of 17th Avenue.
“It will be located in the vicinity of the Buckeye Arena and just north of the existing Buckeye Building,” Myers says. “The multi-purpose building, just north of 17th Avenue, will have exhibition space, open floor space for vendors, and break out rooms. Of the $38 million, $16 million is going to the equine structure and the remaining amount will go to the multi-purpose building.”
How soon will construction take place? If estimates are correct, Myers hopes the new buildings will be available for use during the 2015 Congress. However, Myers confirms that no construction will take place during this year’s event, so there’s no need to worry about backhoes or tractors crowding the already busy Fairgrounds.
“When money is appropriated through the government and the governor signs it into law [April 1st], it takes 90 days before that money is made available,” Myers says. “It’s a pretty aggressive timeline. The theory is to break ground November 1st, so [the buildings] could be available during the 2015 Congress.”
Who’s excited about the new improvements? We certainly are!
