The Charlotte Convention Center, designed by TVS, originally opened in 1995. Since then the needs of meeting planners and convention attendees have evolved, requiring investment in the facility to deliver a competitive experience. Based on recommendations from a market study commissioned by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, TVS explored a series of potential improvements, and together with the staff, developed a master plan for expanding and enhancing the facility. A major need identified by the study was for additional meeting space. Since there is no available land adjacent to the center, it was not possible to expand beyond the existing building’s footprint to create this space. TVS investigated and found ways to expand the building vertically by adding new floor space above the existing exhibit halls. This additional space provides 26,000 sf of new meeting space. This new area also creates a new public concourse façade along Stonewall Street, the previously neglected backside of the building, greatly improving the center’s connectivity to the city. Expansion highlights include: -$126.9 million expansion began in fall 2019 -Project completed and ribbon cutting October 2021 -Total leasable space increased from 550,000 sf to 600,000 sf -Added approximately 50,000 sf of meeting room and pre-function space -Total meeting spaces increased from 41 to 55 -Includes two 10,000 sf spaces each divisible into 19 configurations -Created an overstreet pedestrian walkway to the 700-room Westin Charlotte hotel and a light rail station stop, which provides connectivity to a Whole Foods Market, Center City’s 200-plus restaurants, 5,600 hotel rooms, and plenty more retail and nightlife options in other popular Charlotte neighborhoods