The expansion includes a modern two-storey building with floor-to-ceiling glass walls interrupted by vertical steel beams. A new ball room with an area of 35,000 square feet will be built along with a meeting space spanning 25,000 square feet. There are plans to replace the fire alarm system, the building’s central utility plant, and heating and air conditioning systems of the building. All public spaces in the existing building will be refurbished.
The 435,000 square feet original entrance of the building and its distinctive red mural will be retained as part of the expansion. The kitchen and back-of-the-house space also will be designed smaller than originally configured. Plans for an escalator have been scrapped.
In Phase 1 of the renovation, stylistic and design related repairs and upgrades will be undertaken. The approximately 245,580-gross square feet north site expansion facility would be a two-level building, excluding the below grade level and would be approximately 110 feet high. In Phase 2, the South Hall would be removed and surface parking lot would be demolished. The approximately 292,600-gross square feet south site expansion would have two-levels of convention facilities and would be approximately 122 feet high.
General contractor Hunt Construction and Populous, formerly known as HOK Sport, an architectural firm that specialises in designing sports facilities and convention centers, will work together to renovate the building.
The $120 million construction cost are expected to be financed by the city’s 77 hoteliers. The hoteliers had earlier agreed to charge guests an extra 4% hotel room tax to raise the expenses needed for expanding and upgrading the convention centre. Post approval, the renovation work will be completed within 24 months.
