News
October 1, 2025
Populous and Partners Break Ground on LA Convention Center Expansion and Modernization
Populous, alongside the City of Los Angeles and project partners, celebrated the groundbreaking of the $2.6 billion expansion and modernization of the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC).
The project, which has been decades in the making, will unify and transform the LACC into a premier global convention destination, cementing its place at the heart of Downtown Los Angeles and the L.A. Live entertainment district.
The investment will add 190,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space connecting the existing South Hall and West Hall above Pico Boulevard, along with a 98,000-square-foot rooftop ballroom. The expansion will generate more than 15,000 jobs, add an estimated $652 million in General Fund tax revenue over 30 years and draw in more than $150 million in additional annual visitor spending.
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.
“Populous has been committed to delivering exceptional design for the LA Convention Center modernization project since day one,” said Michael Lockwood, Senior Principal and Project Executive. “We’re honored to continue this journey with the City and our partners as we bring the vision to life. This design unifies and expands the convention center, 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 new LACC will be a premier global convention destination, and we’re proud to play a part in this generational opportunity for an iconic American city.”
"For us, this is about more than a convention center. It’s about reimagining the future of downtown Los Angeles through design that draws people together."
“Working alongside our partners, we’ve challenged our teams to create a place that unifies, expands and transforms downtown, seamlessly connecting the Convention Center to the legendary L.A. Live entertainment district to deliver an experience unlike any other. Here, the world will gather to take in everything LA has to offer—its creativity, its energy, its spirit, its diversity,” Capstack said.
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.
“A new era of LA begins today,” said Doane Liu, Chief Tourism Officer and Executive Director of the LA City Tourism Department. “The City Council and Mayor approved this project less than two weeks ago and we have already started construction. This is a significant milestone as we signal to the world that LA is ready to invest in itself and committed to being a world-class destination with a thriving tourism industry. The City will work closely with our development and construction partners to ensure milestones are met and we are prepared to welcome Angelenos and visitors to a new building in 2029.”
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur, adipisicing elit. Non facere corporis et expedita sit nam amet aut necessitatibus at dolore enim quis impedit eius libero, harum tempore laboriosam dolor cumque.
Lorem, ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Illo temporibus vero veritatis eveniet, placeat dolorem sunt at provident tenetur omnis, dicta exercitationem. Expedita quod aspernatur molestias eum? Totam, incidunt quos.