RETAIL & HOSPITALITY

Kokomo completes $32.8M conference center and adjoining 100+‑room hotel with $5M READI support

Giant FM reported on Sept. 21, 2026 that Gov. Mike Braun congratulated Kokomo on the completion of the $32.8 million Kokomo Conference Center and an adjoining five‑story Hilton Garden Inn. The center totals 55,000 sq ft, has capacity for up to 1,000 guests and received $5 million in READI 1.0 funding.

BUSINESSINDY BRIEFBy BusinessIndy Editorial StaffCommentsPublished October 8, 2026 at 7:48 PM EDTOriginal reporting: September 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT · Brief prepared from earlier coverage

AI-generated illustration of the topic: Kokomo completes $32.8M conference center and adjoining 100+‑room hotel with $5M READI support — AI illustration · Not a photograph of the reported event.

Giant FM reported on Sept. 21, 2026 that Gov. Mike Braun congratulated Kokomo on completion of the $32.8 million Kokomo Conference Center and an adjoining five‑story Hilton Garden Inn. The conference center offers 55,000 square feet across three floors and a stated capacity of up to 1,000 guests.

The adjoining hotel includes more than 100 guestrooms, an indoor pool, fitness center, ergonomic workspaces, and a restaurant and lounge. Giant FM says the project was developed by the Greater Kokomo Alliance and Visitors Bureau, the city of Kokomo, Howard County and Indiana‑based SSG Hotels, and that the project received $5 million in READI 1.0 funding.

WHY IT MATTERS

What changed and who this affects: Giant FM’s Sept. 21, 2026 report says Kokomo now has a large, modern downtown conference center plus an adjoining full‑service hotel. That combination is aimed at meeting organizers, traveling attendees and the Kokomo Automotive Heritage Museum, which the article says will be housed in the new venue.

How the development works in practice: the conference center’s 55,000 square feet and a listed capacity of up to 1,000 guests create the physical ability to host larger meetings or conventions. The five‑story hotel with more than 100 guestrooms provides on‑site lodging that can support multi‑day events. The article reports the total project cost at $32.8 million and identifies $5 million of support from READI 1.0.

What to watch next: Giant FM’s report does not list event calendars or a museum move‑in schedule. Look for booking announcements, formal opening or ribbon‑cutting dates and specific timelines from the Greater Kokomo Alliance, the hotel operator SSG Hotels and local officials for details on programming and museum relocation.

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