Populous leads design team for major transformation project in Los Angeles

Tenderstream member Populous is celebrating the groundbreaking of the 2.6bn USD expansion and modernisation of the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC). The City’s development partner for the project is Plenary Americas and the general contractor is a joint venture of PCL Construction and Webcor Construction. Populous will lead the design team, delivering the project in collaboration with many subcontractors, suppliers and partners. The project, which has been decades in the making, will unify and transform the LACC into a premier global convention destination.

Los Angeles has been at a competitive disadvantage in attracting large, citywide conventions due to the lack of contiguous space, especially as other comparative venues have completed or are in the process of completing major expansions. The new construction will connect the two existing South and West Exhibit Halls by adding 190,000 sq ft of space to create one contiguous hall with over 750,000 sq ft, and will also add 39,000 sq ft of new meeting room space alongside 95,000 sq ft of multipurpose space. 

“Populous has been committed to delivering exceptional design for the LA Convention Center modernisation project since day one,” said Michael Lockwood, Populous senior principal and project executive. “We’re honoured to continue this journey with the City and our partners as we bring the vision to life. This design unifies and expands the convention centre, integrating into the legendary L.A. Live entertainment district to create a place where people from around the world can gather to celebrate the energy and diversity of Los Angeles.”

The LACC will remain fully operational throughout the expansion. Construction is scheduled for substantial completion by spring 2028 and final delivery by spring 2029, ahead of Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

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