Skanska completes $38m expansion and renovation to Tampa Convention Center

Construction and development firm Skanska USA has announced the completion of the Tampa Convention Center’s $38m expansion and renovation. The work represents the venue’s largest renovation project in its history since it first opened its doors over three decades ago. The convention centre project included a 23,500-square-foot expansion to the city-owned facility and the addition of 18,000 square feet of new waterfront rooms and outdoor, as well as improvements made at street level to the Riverwalk. “The city of Tampa is a world-class destination deserving of an upgraded convention centre that complements its economic and population growth,” said Chuck Jablon, senior vice-president of construction for Skanska’s Florida building operations. “By executing the modernisation of the Tampa Convention Center, Skanska is proud to have played a part in bringing that vision to life and delivering a project that will provide long-term economic value for the community.” The centre was originally built in 1990 and part of the upgrade included the installation of new signage complete with LED multi-colour exterior letters and three rows of colourful lights added to the façade to light up the Downtown Tampa skyline. “These are world-class improvements, befitting of a world-class convention center and city,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “This ensures that it and the city of Tampa will continue to be a highly sought-after meeting and event destination.” Since the centre remained operational during the construction phase and because of the limited amount of storage space available on site, the Skanska construction team turned to one of Tampa Bay’s top amenities for support – its pristine waterfront. To reduce the requirement for 75 tractor trailer deliveries, Skanska employed the use of floating platforms to store and transport more than 700 pieces of structural steel to the project site. Additional work completed as part of the renovation included an extensive upgrade to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, encompassing the rebuilding of 16 air handling units and the installation of two rooftop air handling units with two energy recovery ventilator units.