LOCATION: Louisville, Kentucky
SIZE: 960,000 SQ FT
FEATURES: Exhibit space increases from 146,000 SQ FT to over 200,000 SQ FT all within existing footprint, column-free exhibit space, new 40,000 SF ballroom, a 175-seat conference theater, 52 meeting rooms, full-service kitchen serves 15,000 meals/day Photography credit: Christopher Payne/Esto
CLIENT: Commonwealth of Kentucky
TYPE: Expansion / Renovation
AWARDS: Merit Award, AIA Kentucky, 2019; Cornerstone Award, Greater Louisville Inc., 2019; Silver Fleur-de-Lis, Greater Louisville Inc., 2019; Project of the Year, Commercial Real Estate Champions, Business First Louisville, 2019; Project of the Year, CoreNet Global Chicago Chapter – Real Awards, 2020
SUMMARY: Convention centers are often introverted—turning away from their surroundings. For KICC, EOP collaborated with the Chicago office of HOK and convention expert Don Grinberg, FAIA to create an urban extrovert that celebrates its central location; its activity and presence contribute to Louisville’s transformation. The project earned LEED Silver.
A distinctive colonnade and canopy unify existing and new elements, while a new entryway acts as an inviting front porch for the city.
“The improvements for the Kentucky International Convention Center are very important to downtown Louisville and the many businesses that depend upon conventions in this city.”
— Gov. Steve Beshear
Transparency breathes openness and daylight into interior venues. Oak panels reflect Kentucky’s bourbon industry.
