Violent crime is up. Street life is often lacking. Can a $3.7 billion convention center expansion transform the fortunes of the city’s central business district?

Developers are gearing up to break ground next month on a $31 million hotel on Muskegon Lake that is expected to help grow downtown Muskegon’s meeting and convention business.

All in, the cost of the redevelopment of Pan Am Plaza is expected to be about $780 million, with the convention center ...