California Construction News staff writer
Construction has begun on the $2.6 billion expansion and modernization of the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), a project aimed at increasing the city’s capacity to host major global events. The expansion will connect the South and West Exhibit Halls with a 325,000-square-foot structure above Pico Boulevard, adding 190,000 square feet of exhibit space, 39,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 95,000 square feet of multipurpose space. The total exhibit space at the LACC will exceed 1 million square feet once the project is complete.
“The expansion of the LA Convention Center is critical to our effort to revitalize the Downtown area, create new economic opportunities and send a message to the world that LA is ready to compete and win on the global stage,” Mayor Karen Bass said at the groundbreaking.
The project is being delivered through a design-build method, with PCL Construction and Webcor serving as general contractors. Architectural design is provided by Populous, in collaboration with AEG Facilities and Plenary Group. Construction is scheduled for substantial completion by spring 2028, with final delivery expected by spring 2029, ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Bass also highlighted broader efforts to improve Downtown Los Angeles during construction, including increased LAPD foot and bike patrols, deployment of trained mental health teams, accelerated permitting for nearby developments, and initiatives to clean and enhance public spaces.
The expansion is expected to boost tourism, attract larger conventions, and create jobs, city officials said.
For more information and project updates, visit the official LACC expansion page.
