A Civic Center master plan was delivered to its advisory committee and city commission Tuesday, providing a glimpse of what the future might hold for the facility.

A ballroom/multipurpose room doubling the size of the Exhibition Hall, new entrances, more meeting rooms and even a parking ramp are part of what's envisioned in the plan developed through the combined efforts of Tvenge Associates and EHS Design.

George Robertson, representing EHS, explained the process that was used to develop the master plan, including involving a stakeholders' group to identify the Civic Center's strengths and weaknesses. The master plan provided several alternatives, included a recommended alternative.

"In the stakeholders' interviews, we found a high level of user satisfaction with the facility, which has a utilization of more than 500 events annually, which is a very high number for facilities similar in nature," Robertson told city commissioners. "A number of things were identified as opportunities for improvement, including congestion and confusion over entrance for events."

One of the most important needs is a facility that can match the available room block in Bismarck, which was put at 2,300. This meant an addition of a ballroom/multipurpose room and additional meeting rooms. Other improvements would include a quality food service, premium seating at arena events, locker and training room changes and space for performers.

The primary arrival point would be on the facility's west side, with cars entering a two- lane road from the south, bringing them to a registration lobby that will front the extension of the existing Exhibition Hall. Dick Petersen, Civic Center director, described the ballroom as a mirrored extension of the Exhibition Hall, capable of handling four basketball games at one time and leaving the main arena open for other events.

Along with a parking structure on the southeast corner of the building, there will be truck-loading bays. The open area between the Exhibiton Hall and Civic Center would be enclosed, providing for meeting rooms, storage and more.

Parking is a problem the city will have to study, Robertson said. He explained that if there are 9,000 people in the building for an event, that usually means at least 4,000 cars needing to be parked.

Currently there are 1,200 parking spaces available.

At the advisory committee meeting, Robertson suggested a parking authority involving public and private entities be formed. Working with landowners to provide parking, he said, could be a benefit to both the public and the private sectors.

Robertson also suggested that a study of financing of the facility be undertaken by the city.

Also of great importance is the development of a financing/marketing plan. The information would provide what revenues can be gained by the additions compared to the price of development. The city commission can base its decisions on this information or use it to take the projects to a vote of the people.

Mayor John Warford, who is a member of the advisory committee, indicated that group will meet again shortly to discuss the master plan and provide the city commission with a recommendation on what action to take.

The city commission approved a motion to receive the report.

Canad Inns, a hotel development company, has indicated interest in constructing a facility adjacent to the Civic Center. Shareholders indicated a hotel such as proposed by Canad is what they want to see.

Canad, which is expected to return with a proposal later in the summer, indicated it wants to see the Civic Center master plan, along with a commitment by the city to move forward with implementing the master plan.

Warford said he feels it is important that the master plan be based on the future needs of the community, regardless of whether Canad or another developer builds a hotel.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarck-tribune.com.)