Developers present plans on Jefferson City conference center

Two developers hoping to get the green light on a multi-million dollar conference center presented their ideas to the Jefferson City council Thursday evening.

The Ehrhardt group out of Hannibal and the Farmer Holding Company from Jefferson City both unveiled their plans.

Drury hotels voluntarily pulled themselves out of the selection process earlier this week, citing concerns about the facility’s ability to pay for itself.

Councilwoman Carrie Carroll’s family owns an apartment building adjacent to the Ehrhardt’s proposed site on McCarty Street.

They could stand to profit if they sold the property to build a parking garage or convention space. But she has been clear about her involvement and gone on the record in the past saying her first choice for a conference center is on the river bluff at the old penitentiary.

McCarthy Street also has other issues, mainly that it lies on a flood plain. City officials say they are aware of the issue and plan to build accordingly.