TAMPA, Fla. – Skanska USA, a construction and development firm, has completed the largest renovation project in the history of the Tampa Convention Center.
The project scope included a series of capital improvements such as an 18,000-square-foot, two-story addition with 18 new waterfront rooms that will provide flexible meeting and event space to accommodate conferences and conventions coming to the Tampa Bay region.
Skanska and Baker Barrios Architects, the project’s design partner, in conjunction with Convergence Design, provided master planning services for the major expansion of the convention center facility.
“The city of Tampa is a world-class destination deserving of an upgraded convention center that complements its economic and population growth,” says Chuck Jablon, senior vice president of construction for Skanska’s Florida building operations. “By executing the modernization of the Tampa Convention Center, Skanska is proud to have played a part in bringing that vision to life and delivering a project that will provide long-term economic value for the community.”
Originally built in 1990, renovations to the convention center included upgrades to the Tampa Riverwalk such as the installation of new railings, ADA-compliant ramps, a canopy metal ceiling, and new column wraps. Another significant upgrade was the installation of new signage complete with LED multi-color exterior letters and three rows of colorful lights added to the façade to prominently feature the convention center’s prime location.
“These are world-class improvements, befitting of a world-class convention center and city,” says Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “This is the largest renovation in the center’s history and ensures that it and the city of Tampa will continue to be a highly sought-after meeting and event destination.”
Additional work includes an extensive upgrade to the HVAC system, encompassing the rebuilding of 16 air-handling units and installing two rooftop air-handling units with two energy recovery ventilator units.
