Tampa Convention Center undergoes largest reno in history

Jun 05, 2023

The recently completed largest renovation project in the history of the Tampa Convention Center (TCC)—projected at $38 million—includes a series of capital improvements to better accommodate conferences and conventions held in the Tampa Bay region.

Alterations include a 2,183-m2 (23,500-sf) expansion to the facility and the addition of 1,672 m2 (18,000 sf) of new waterfront rooms that will provide flexible meeting and event spaces.

Skanska USA (Skanska) and the project’s design partner, Baker Barrios Architects, in collaboration with Convergence Design, provided master planning services for the major expansion of the facility.

Since the convention center facilities remained operational during the construction phase and because of the limited amount of storage space available on site, the Skanska construction team turned to one of Tampa Bay’s top amenities for support—its pristine waterfront. To reduce the requirement for 75 tractor trailer deliveries, the company employed the use of floating platforms to store and transport more than 700 pieces of structural steel to the project site.

Additional work completed as part of the convention center’s renovation included an extensive upgrade to the HVAC system, encompassing the rebuilding of 16 air handling units and the installation of two rooftop air handling units with two energy recovery ventilator units.

Originally built in 1990, renovations to the convention center included upgrades to the highly frequented Tampa Riverwalk such as the installation of new railings, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramps, a canopy metal ceiling, and new column wraps. Another significant upgrade was the installation of new signage for the Tampa Convention Center, complete with light-emitting diode (LED) multi-color exterior letters and three rows of colorful lights added to the facade to light up the Tampa skyline and more prominently feature the convention center’s prime location.

“The city of Tampa is a world-class destination, [it is] 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.”