PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION PROJECT
RECEIVES AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION

PASADENA, Calif. – The Pasadena Convention Center has received a Best of 2009 award from “California Construction” for its $150 million expansion project.

The best of 2009 award-winning projects are selected by an esteemed jury of prominent local construction industry professionals.  Criteria includes architectural and engineering design; execution of construction; innovation; contribution to the local community and construction industry; ability to overcome challenges; and overall excellence.

The Pasadena Convention Center expansion has been recognized as an excellent government/public project.  Some of this year’s other winners include LA Live! (AEG Building and ESPN Building), Ronald McDonald House, Sony Electronics North American Headquarters, Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, and LAUSD Edward R. Roybal Learning Center.

The Pasadena Convention Center expansion project was completed in late February 2009.  New features include a state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 25,000-square-foot ballroom, 25,000 square feet of pre-function space, a 22,000-square-foot outdoor plaza, and administrative offices.  The existing 28,000-square-foot Conference Center building was also renovated and received a new façade.

The design for the project was conceived by Fentress Architects.  Using a well-known Italian Renaissance architect as inspiration, Fentress created a design that complemented the Civic Auditorium by using arcade spaces similar to those found at Pasadena City Hall, as well as details that were taken directly from the Civic Auditorium’s classical design.  The general contractor for the project was Clark Construction Group.

The expanded Pasadena Convention Center has implemented a host of “go green” initiatives in the areas of water use, electricity, recycling and traffic reduction.  Because of its commitment to responsible environmental practices, it is anticipated the facility will receive a minimum of LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver Certification from the United States Green Building Council.

The Pasadena Convention Center is available for meetings, conventions, trade shows, weddings, fundraisers, and other special events.  For more information, call (626) 793-2122 or visit www.pasadenacenter.com.