A decade after the shuttering of a hotel in Hempfield that functioned as Westmoreland County’s de facto convention center, local officials said it’s now time to consider a replacement.
The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce announced Monday it has launched a $25,000 study to explore the potential construction a convention center.
“We feel the time is right to move forward with this next step,” said Chamber President Dan Debone. “We would prefer a location along the Route 30 corridor, from Irwin, Jeannette, Adamsburg, Greensburg and Latrobe areas. Our main focal point right now is (Westmoreland Mall).
The privately funded feasibility study will determine the need for a facility that can host conferences and other medium-sized events such as trade shows, concerts and other entertainment options, Debone said.
It’s a need officials said has been unfilled in the county since the closing of the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center in Hempfield in 2015. The building that sat on a hill across Route 30 overlooking Westmoreland Mall was demolished in 2021. It is the site of a planned Menards home improvement store.
“This is exciting for all of us and a unique convention center and hotel would complement what is going on here now,” said Hempfield Supervisor Doug Weimer, suggesting interest for a facility has come from the owners of Live Casino Pittsburgh at Westmoreland Mall. “We’ve had calls. The casino is looking for a local venue to support the entertainment they bring in. They are also trying to bring in outside business. This is a giant opportunity for the county.”