Landers Center expansion trends $4 million under budget with new bid awards

Photo: A view of the Landers Center on Monday, Jan. 5 as work continues on the $85 million expansion project. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)

HERNANDO, MS – The expansion of the Landers Center is moving into its next phase of construction with a significant financial advantage. During a Monday meeting of the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors, project officials announced that the latest round of bid packages came in approximately $4 million under budget, providing a substantial cushion for the multi-million dollar enhancement of the region’s premier entertainment venue.

The board approved a $43 million bid package covering the lion’s share of the remaining facility work. This phase includes essential structural and finishing components such as masonry, roofing, HVAC, and electrical systems. While the current phase sits at $43 million, the total project cost is estimated at $85 million, with full completion slated for the end of 2027.

Strategic Savings and Local Impact

Architect Doug Thornton, who is overseeing the project, attributed the $4 million in savings to robust competition within the bidding market as firms look to secure work for the new year.

“We are seeing more activity in the bid market,” Thornton said during Monday’s announcement. “People are sharpening their pencils to get their new year started. Significant savings were found specifically in electrical systems and interior finishes.”

In a move to support the regional economy, officials confirmed that renovations to the theater portion of the center will be bid out separately. This strategy is designed to allow smaller local contractors to compete for manageable scopes of work while avoiding scheduling conflicts with the center’s busy event calendar.

Construction Timeline and Parking Upgrades

The project is currently 90 percent complete with foundation work. Residents will see the facility start to “go vertical” soon, as steel mobilization is scheduled to begin in the third week of January, with structural assembly intensifying by early February.

Addressing long-standing concerns regarding event traffic, the board approved an alternate bid for $1 million in additional parking.

• Current Capacity: The new plans bring parking to roughly 80 percent of total maximum occupancy for the arena, convention center, and theater.
• Future Expansion: Officials noted that additional land remains available to reach 100 percent capacity if demand warrants further expansion after 2027.

Hotel Partnership Under Review

While the Landers Center itself is seeing smooth progress, officials are keeping a close watch on the adjacent hotel project led by developer Nilesh Patel. Initial agreements called for a seven-story, 240-room hotel. Recent discussions suggested a possible move toward a smaller footprint or reduced finishes to control costs. However, Monday’s update indicated the floor count remains unchanged as the development team evaluates interior finish options.

The Board of Supervisors plans to convene a stakeholder meeting within the next two weeks to finalize the hotel scope and ensure the hospitality component aligns with the center’s upgraded prestige.