During the mayoral campaign Riley promised to reverse the flow of businesses from downtown Charleston to the suburban shopping malls by revitalizing the central business district. To do this he planned to attract more tourists for longer periods of time by special events and to channel them downtown.  In the tradition of Frank Dawson and George Williams, and of Mayors Courtnay, Grace, Stoney and Maybank, Mayor Riley became one of Charleston’s most determined boosters.  At the heart of his plan for economic rejuvenation was the construction of a convention center and hotel complex of twelve stories, 431 rooms, 114 feet in height, costing $50 million, and financed by both public and private funds. 

Charleston, Charleston! 
Walter J. Fraser, Jr., Author