The Hynes Convention Center is set to get a $100 million upgrade over the next five years, the Mass. Convention Center Authority (MCCA) announced last week.

According to a 2015 report, the Hynes needs up to $500 million in repairs for a wealth of problems, including with its plumbing, fire systems, and internal walls. This $100 million will go to HVAC and systems upgrades, as well as replacing features like carpeting, according to the Boston Business Journal.

The center has been under continuous renovations since 2023, though it has remained open to events. With the $100 million promised in funding, the center would close for several months per year to perform new upgrades.

“I think it’s money well spent,” said City Councilor Ed Flynn, whose district covers both the Hynes and the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in the Seaport. “I think it would help the residents and the businesses greatly. The Hynes Convention Center is an outstanding neighbor, and we want to support businesses in the Back Bay. It’s a tremendous asset to the city and the Commonwealth. It’s important for the impacted businesses and hotels in that area.”

The MCCA is largely funded by the Convention Center Fund (CCF). According to the Mass. state website, there is currently a $28 million cap on the amount of funds that can be used to cover the MCCA’s operations. That means getting $100 million could require additional legislative funding.

“While the Hynes is an important asset that requires critical upgrades and adequate maintenance, it does raise questions about the MCCA’s spending,” said State Senator Nick Collins, chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

“Given the statutory cap on operational draws from the taxpayer subsidized CCF, we are going to take a look at whether legislation needs to be amended. As state resources get tighter, the CCF could be looked to for support of the state budget.”

State Representative Jay Livingstone, who serves the Back Bay, said it was his understanding that the project would need legislative funding, and that he had plans to meet with the head of the MCCA to talk about it.

The MCCA did not respond to a request for comment. However, its new CEO Marcel Vernon told the Boston Business Journal that he had a vision to bring Boston to the forefront for convention cities that started with revitalizing the Hynes.

“I think the prior administration somewhat viewed the South Boston Convention Center as in competition with the Hynes,” Livingstone said. “I think the current administration realizes that they’re complementary. They tend to not compete for the same types of bookings. It’s a great amenity to have, to be able to sell two different types of convention experiences.”

The massive Seaport center, at a whopping 2.1 million square feet, sits in a newly revitalized district of Boston, while the more intimate Hynes center is located in what Livingstone called one of the most prized neighborhoods in the world.

“I'm glad they're making this investment and I look forward to working with them to secure the funding they need,” he said.