Memory Lane: Jan. 5, 1993

Posted

From the January 5, 1993 edition of The Wayne Herald

Convention center nears completion

The second phase of what will hopefully be a major draw to the Wayne Community is due to open this Friday when Riley's Pub is unveiled.

Developer Rod Tompkins is antsy about the third phase of the major project, the ballroom/ convention center which is now scheduled for opening this spring.

Work continues at a feverish pace on the renovation of the huge building on South Main which is being converted into a ballroom/ convention center that can accommodate over 400 for a sit-down banquet.

Tompkins, who owns Heritage Industries in Wayne, has been working on the project for over a year.

It is actually three different businesses, he said as he walked through the on-going construction project.

The restaurant, which opened last year, was the first phase.

The pub opening this week will mark two thirds of the major work completed.

Tompkins designed the center with the help of his architect daughter. The design utilizes an old lumber warehouse as the frame for the facility, but already a view inside leaves little hint of the former use of the building. A large stage and dance floor are central to
the convention center.