Ahead of the meeting, 3NEWS was given an exclusive first look at the $17 million in upgrades.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Port of Corpus Christi Commissioners meeting will return to the Solomon P. Ortiz International Center on Tuesday, marking the first time in a year that the board has gathered inside the venue. It will also be the final meeting before the new year and the first inside after the renovations.

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Ahead of the meeting, 3NEWS was given an exclusive first look at the $17 million in upgrades made to the 100 year old facility, which also serves as a popular space for weddings, luncheons, and community events.

The Ortiz Center is about to be back in business after the extensive makeover.

Danielle Converse, the Port’s Foreign-Trade Zone Manager, helped guide the walkthrough maneuvering around crews making final touches.

“We are so excited to get back in the building, we’re working on the construction punch list you can see by walking through the facility. We’re almost there,” Converse said.

As the final countdown continues, chairs are being dusted off, equipment checked, and microphones tested.

“Mic check 1,2,3,” one staff member called out as crews prepared for Tuesday’s meeting.

Converse said the layout has been completely reimagined.

“And it’s completely re-figured, if you recall we used to have the commissioners sitting on this wall, which really limited the space.”

She added that commissioners will now benefit from improved infrastructure.

“Latest and greatest technology I think the commissioners are going to love it.”

Chief External Affairs Officer Omar Garcia said the new permanent setup will make the facility more efficient.

“More specifically we have a lot of upgrades to our technology, new flooring, new paint, it feels like a new building,” said Garcia. “The current setup will allow for a faster, more efficient way to attract more business without having to move tables and chairs, everything you can imagine.”

Much of the improvement came from behind-the-scenes upgrades, including a new HVAC system, mechanical enhancements, and technology that will improve broadcast quality.

“When commissioners go into executive session this is the room they will have that in,” Converse explained while showing off one of the newly redesigned spaces.

She said most of the major work is complete, but crews are still adding some finishing touches.

“We should start seeing the finer things, like furniture and decor, looking forward to having the community come in and see everything.”

While the Port Commission meeting is set for Tuesday, the Port expects to welcome the public back to the Ortiz Center in the new year.