First look: Gonzales Expo Center

By Erik McCowan

news@gonzalesinquirer.com

You’ve read about it, probably heard about it — and it you’ve driven south out of town — you’ve noticed it sprouting up at J.B. Wells Park. There’s definitely no looking back now as the Gonzales Expo and Conference Center is well on its way to completion.

Last week, City of Gonzales Project Manager Ralph Camarillo gave the Inquirer a first look inside the construction zone of what should be the most popular meeting space in town for years to come.

Driving down the highway a few hundred yards from the site may not yield an accurate account of the building’s true size, but walking under the skeleton of the place gives a whole new perspective as to the expanse of the center.

“I’ve heard people say it’s not very big at all, but if you walk in here it’s pretty huge,” said Camarillo. And he’s right.

The tour began through what will be the back door by the kitchen area, which abuts the covered pavilion by the RV hookups. Workers were busy installing masonry on the kitchen and storage room walls while another set of men banged on a beam that will hold the front porch area across the hall.

The beams overhead resembled a ribcage since the roofing has yet to be installed. But the floor plan is there and looking across its span, there should be no problem for the building to host any convention, wedding, prom or heavy metal show that wants to set up there.

As you walk in the front door, the walls to your left and right on each side of the building will contain two roll-up doors each, large enough to drive large equipment through for trade shows or to create a cross breeze if that is desired. 

Restrooms will fill the corners closest to the main entry. The kitchen will be across the hall. And in the middle will be the showroom or dance floor, depending on the flavor of the event. There will be no obstructions around the floor, giving guests much room to roam.

Recent rains have held construction back a bit, as can be expected when you have no roof. But construction is somewhere in the middle and as soon as the brick walls are up, the roof will be enclosed. Contractors have said that they hope to be complete around Feb. 24.

If you have been to a city council meeting where they have discussed the coloration of the interior, one can get an early glimpse of things to come. A row of brownish brick topped by white bricks is coming up along the kitchen and a few panels of green siding have been put up on the outside. You could close your eyes and imagine just what the place might look like in a few months time.

“Other than that, it’s moving along,” Camarillo said.