Oregon Convention Center completes $40m renovation

Oregon Convention Center (OCC) in the USA has announced the completion of a USD$40m renovation project. This was OCC’s first large-scale renovation since the venue was built 30 years ago, and was completed during OCC’s busiest year to date. It includes updates to numerous public spaces throughout the venue in order to improve accessibility for event attendees, provide more space options and elevate design aspects. The renovation project includes a plaza area to provide an outdoor space option for events, which will also serve as a community space for locals, staff and event attendees. Craig Stroud, OCC Executive Director, said: “OCC is Oregon’s premier convention center, and so we made sure to keep our local community and setting at the top of our minds throughout the planning and implementation process of this project. Subsequently, we concentrated on aspects that are important and unique to Oregon. “I think the results of this focus are evident, both in the impact and originality of the Pacific Northwest-inspired design elements, but also in the level of care that was taken to improve the accessibility, sustainability and flexibility aspects and capabilities we offer our guests, building-wide.” The renovation will coincide with the upcoming December opening of the Hyatt Regency Portland hotel, directly adjacent to OCC. The hotel offers 600 guest rooms and spaces for meetings and events. Scott Cruickshank, General Manager of Visitor Venues for Metro and former OCC Executive Director, added: “When we began planning this comprehensive renovation project, all the way back in 2013, we saw a need for Portland to level up its meetings and convention offerings. “This renovation has done that and more. Portland now has a top-tier conventions venue, paired with a sizeable convention hotel, that has national and international appeal.” Cruickshank adds, “Many community organizations, firms and stakeholders have been involved in this project over the years, and so its completion is also exciting to the local residents and partners that were instrumental to this large-scale project.”