Description
Work is under way for a dynamic expansion and renovation of the Spokane Convention Center as the premier convention venue of the Inland Northwest.
The Spokane Convention Center opened in 1975 in a building used during Expo 74 — the World’s Fair. A major addition occurred in 1989 with the opening of the Washington State International Agricultural Trade Center.
The Ag Trade Center added meeting and banquet space and a unique conference theater to the convention facilities complex, which also includes the Spokane Opera House. All three facilities were recently transferred from the city of Spokane to the Spokane Public Facilities District, which has begun improvement projects in each.
The first of three convention center construction phases consists of removing existing carpets and installing new carpets. Phase 1 also calls for remodeling work in the commons and pre-function areas, and the guest services office. This phase is expected to be completed in February 2004.
Major construction of a new 100,000-square-foot exhibit hall highlights phase 2 that begins in June 2004 and is to be completed in June 2005. A critical challenge is coordinating the construction without any negative impacts on the events and operations of the existing exhibit hall or the convention center that neighbors the Double Tree Hotel and Shenanigans restaurant. The concrete and steel structure includes two levels of parking directly beneath the new exhibit hall.
The dramatic design of the new facility will showcase a complex façade using CMU, glass and metal panels. An enclosed all-glass riverside “promenade” will connect the new exhibit hall to the existing convention center and opera house.
Phase 3 consists of renovating the existing exhibit area and Ag Trade Center to provide 35,000 square feet of meeting space and a 25,000-square-foot ballroom, offering expanded banquet space capacity. This work is scheduled from July 2006 through December 2006.
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Contractors:
Hoffman-Bouten, A Joint Venture, 805 S.W. Broadway,
Suite 2100, Portland, OR 97205, (503) 221-8811
Architects:
Integrus Architecture, 10 S. Cedar St., Spokane, WA
99204, (509) 838-8681
LMN Architects, 501 Norton Building, 801 Second Ave.,
Seattle, WA 98104, (206) 682-3460
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Other Participants
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MW Consulting Engineers (mechanical and electrical)
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Integrus Architecture (structural)
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CH2M Hill (civil)
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McCleskey Consulting (mechanical and electrical)
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Roen Associates (cost estimating)
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Floormart (carpet removal and replacement)
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