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A joint venture of the Hunt Construction Group of Indianapolis, Clark Construction Group, LLC of Tampa and Construct II of Orlando recently reached substantial completion on the 2.9 million-square-foot Phase V expansion of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Known as the north/south complex, the project was completed on schedule and on budget. Already one of the largest convention facilities in the nation, the OCCC now features over 2.1 million square feet of exhibition space.
“The expansion nearly doubles our capacity, which has already grown eightfold since our grand opening in 1983,” said OCCC Executive Director Tom Ackert. “The expansion, complemented by a strong hospitality infrastructure to support the growth and the economic impact it will bring to the area, is a win-win for everyone in our community.”
Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock/Architects, Inc. of Orlando led the design team that also included Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates of Atlanta. To facilitate large shows and conventions, steel trusses spanning 180 feet column bays in the main exhibit hall create an open air and column-free environment. Exhibition space also can be divided into four individual halls that include two separate areas containing over 92,000 square feet of general assembly space. A state-of-the-art wall can further divide space in the general assembly areas. The facility also features 25 meeting rooms and 94 breakout rooms, totaling 166,050 square feet.
Located in a stunning, park-like setting that dramatizes its tropical environment, the expansion is linked to the existing center by a 1,500-foot-long covered walkway over International Drive. The new building also is connected to surrounding hotels by enclosed walkways.
The first consumer event scheduled for the new facility is the Orlando Home Show, which will be held on September 26-28th. More than 800 exhibitors representing more than 50 home improvement disciplines will participate in the event.
Owned and operated by Orange County Florida Government, the OCCC is unique in that all funding for operational and expansion costs are generated by a tourism and resort tax, not local tax dollars. The facility attracts delegates who spend an average of $1 billion annually.
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