   Current Temp: 63° F |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
     
  MEET AT THE CONFLUENCE OF 'TWO RIVERS' IN SCENIC GRAND JUNCTION By Karen Galvin
Renovating and going green A beautiful fountain, "The Song of Two Rivers," greets you as you approach the main entrance of Two Rivers Convention Center on Main Street in downtown Grand Junction. This multipurpose facility boasts 22,920 square feet of meeting/exhibit space and can accommodate groups of up to 2,000 people, making it a good fit for meetings, seminars, reunions, weddings, receptions, banquets, concerts, galas and shows. Rooms are available for dining and dancing, both with expertly designed decorating options. The convention center's culinary team provides catering in house, at the Avalon Theatre downtown or at a local site of your choice. Known as Western Colorado's premier convention and meeting facility, Two Rivers is undergoing renovations and recently made the decision to "go green" – all part of an effort to increase its appeal and
The first phase of renovations, taking place this summer, includes replacing a 35-year-old moveable wall that separates the two largest meeting spaces. The convention center is also adding a wall to make the existing space more flexible. This portion of the improvements is an ambitious three-quarters-of-a-million-dollar project. Beginning next year, pending funding approval, phase two will include replacing much of the lighting to make it more environmentally friendly by using compact fluorescent bulbs, which are more energy efficient and have a much longer life than conventional incandescent bulbs. Also, some of the ceilings are being replaced with tray ceilings with soffit work, adding to their visual appeal and making them look less industrial. As the convention center renovates part of its building, it is also taking steps to operate in a way that is more environmentally responsible. Several months ago the center began a full-scale recycling program internally (including plastics, aluminum, tin, glass, cardboard, newspaper and office paper) and bins have also been placed in public areas to encourage visitors to do the same. Like most meeting facilities, the convention center goes through a lot of disposable goods, especially plates and eating utensils. Two Rivers is looking at purchasing new biodegradable ones made from corn rather
"We view this move toward being more environmentally responsible as just a start, and plan to further expand the program in the coming months and years," said Tim Seeberg, general manager of the Two Rivers Convention Center and the Avalon Theater. "One question we want to ask is whether this building is as energy efficient as it can be." Exploring the area Grand Junction offers plenty of recreational options for meeting attendees to enjoy on their free time, giving participants the perfect excuse to extend a trip here. Golfers can tee off on one of the city's championship courses. Wine connoisseurs can visit nearly 20 regional wineries and taste for themselves why this area is known as Colorado Wine Country. Adventurers can explore the red rock canyons and mesas of the Colorado National Monument or take a float trip down the Colorado River. Visitors don't have to venture far afield to enjoy the area. Downtown Grand Junction's identity is casually sophisticated, and the city is filled with well-preserved historic buildings and pedestrian-friendly walkways. The streets of this small Western city – overflowing with flowers, sheltered by trees – have public art outside for all to enjoy. And it's easy to get here. Grand Junction is located between Denver and Salt Lake City. Take an easy drive through the Rockies on Interstate 70, or fly into Grand Junction Regional Airport from Denver, Dallas, Salt Lake City or Phoenix. Grand Junction is also located on one of Amtrak's most popular routes. However you arrive, you'll find a city that welcomes groups of all sorts and sizes. |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
