Bibb County announces three firms to be considered for convention center project. What we know.

Macon-Bibb County announced the names of the three firms last week who responded to a request for qualifications for the new convention center.

Mainsail Development International , LLC, out of Tampa, Florida; Matthews Southwest Hospitality, LLC, out of Dallas, Texas; and Drew Company Inc. out of Boston, Massachusetts, responded to the request, Bibb County officials said on July 24.

The request for qualifications asked firms who are interested in working with the county on the project to submit forms outlining their qualifications. The Macon-Bibb County procurement department will then review the forms to confirm firms meet the requirements.

Firms that are deemed qualified will then submit a proposal detailing their vision for the convention center. County officials will choose one firm to partner with. That partner will be expected to help finance, construct and manage the new convention center.

Jack Williams, senior procurement officer with the procurement department, said while three firms may seem like a low number, that’s to be expected with a project of this scale, which few firms are able to take on.

The convention center is expected to be a region-defining project that will keep Macon competitive among other Georgia cities including Savannah and Augusta. The convention center is planned for the former site of the old Ramada hotel, which was demolished in January.

Early renderings of the convention center released by Macon-Bibb County show mixed use developments and pedestrian-friendly streets alongside the new hotel and convention center.