California Construction News staff writer
Los Angeles city council has approved a $54 million proposal for pre-construction work on a project that would modernize and expand the downtown Convention Center in preparation for the 2028 Olympics.
Council approved a design-build delivery model that contracts with a joint venture of AEG and The Plenary Group to complete the project before the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In the upcoming months, the city will work with AEG, Plenary, Populous (architect) and general contractors PCL and Webcor to finalize design plans, schedule and costs before construction starts in spring 2025.
This expansion will create about 7,445 new jobs during construction and kickstart needed economic growth in the region. Local businesses, especially in Downtown L.A., are dependent on direct and indirect spending from the LACC. The project.
New construction will connect the two existing South and West Exhibit Halls by adding 190,000 square feet of space to create one contiguous hall, and will add 55,000 square feet of new meeting room space and 95,000 square feet of multipurpose space. The plan also includes a redesign of Gilbert Lindsay Plaza, which will add public open space and become an exciting outdoor venue for event programming.
“The expansion and modernization of the Los Angeles Convention Center are critical for the continued recovery of our local economy,” said Adam Burke, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “Citywide conventions support thousands of jobs and hundreds of businesses across every L.A. region and neighborhood, and we’re grateful to the City Council for their leadership in advancing this pivotal initiative with today’s vote.
“As one of the travel industry’s premier meeting destinations, we look forward to seeing this world-class facility come to life.”
