More than half of the new space in the proposed $160 million face lift of the city-owned Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center would be in areas that most people never see.

        Assuming a deal is made today between the city and county, just over 60 percent of the expanded center would be dedicated to “support space” such as loading docks, boiler rooms and service hallways.

        The 440,500 square feet for support areas — up from just over 300,000 square feet of existing space — is by far the largest chunk of the expansion. Exhibit halls, the next largest element, would grow from 162,000 square feet to 194,000.

        Sabin Center Manager Dale Lewis said improving the support space is just as critical as adding exhibit space for the center to be a success.

        “We not only want larger conventions, but we want to be able to host two or three medium conventions at the same time,” Mr. Lewis said. “Each convention must have a certain number of dedicated loading docks and separate entrances to exhibit halls. This expansion and renovation, we'll be able to host two or three events at the same time.”

        The fate of the expansion will be decided today, the deadline set by state law to raise taxes for it

        Hamilton County commissioners last week agreed to raise the countywide hotel-motel tax from 3 percent to 6.5 percent.

        Cincinnati City Council must also raise its bed tax by 1 percentage point — from 3 percent to 4 percent.

        Council has asked the county to reconsider some financial aspects of the plan. The city also wants to change how members of the Convention Facilities Authority are appointed.

        Council will vote on itsplan at a special 4 p.m. meeting today.

        The city-proposed changes include:

        More money. City officials want the county to contribute $250,000 per year starting in 2003, instead of 2005. They also want $3.5 million from a special clerk of courts fund, instead of the $1.7 million offered.

        The city wants one of the appointments to the facilities authority, currently held by the suburbs, to go to the Greater Cincinnati Hotel-Motel Association.

        Hamilton County Commissioner Tom Neyer said he thinks the deal will get done, but that the county isn't going to reconsider any of the finances.

        “The economics are where they are,” Mr. Neyer said. “But I think we can satisfy the spirit of the city's objections about the (facilities authority).”

        Commissioner Todd Portune, who along with Mr. Neyer Wednesday voted in favor of raising the bed tax for the expansion, said he's not willing to change the agreement at all. Mr. Portune said he doesn't understand the city's concern about the facilities authority.

        “It's interesting that as hard as we have worked at putting this together and moving the project forward, that people are concerned that somehow we're going to not appoint people who are supportive of this project and the interests represented in it,” Mr. Portune said.

        The expansion will leave the outside of the building looking longer, but very much the same as it does today. But it will be worlds apart on the inside.

        “Basically, the inside will be brand new.” Mr. Lewis said.

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