Groundbreaking Images Reveal Populous’ New Los Angeles Convention Center

This post summarizes the newly revealed plans and images for the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) expansion by Populous, announced at the project’s groundbreaking.

I discuss the design intent, programmatic highlights, construction team and timeline, and the broader economic and urban context. Drawing on three decades of experience in architecture and large-scale civic projects, I interpret what this addition will mean for Downtown Los Angeles and event infrastructure ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Design, program and urban intent

The expansion inserts a new rectangular volume with a curved roof between the existing South and West Halls. This physically bridges Pico Boulevard to unify the convention complex.

Populous has prioritized both flexibility and civic presence. The massing creates a rooftop terrace and ballroom, while the interior emphasizes daylight and adaptable exhibition zones.

What the new building contains

The program is substantial and planned to attract larger conventions and exhibitions.

Construction, procurement and schedule

The project team and delivery timeline are crucial for guaranteeing readiness for major city events.

Populous leads design with Plenary Americas as developer. A PCL Construction/Webcor joint venture acts as general contractor, combining convention-center experience with regional construction capability.

Key schedule milestones

Economic impact and civic significance

City officials have framed the expansion as an economic engine for Los Angeles, estimating strong job creation and visitor spending that ripple through hospitality and services sectors.

Official projections cited at the groundbreaking include more than 15,000 jobs, approximately $652 million in tax revenue, and $150 million in additional visitor spending.

Why this matters for LA’s event landscape

The addition addresses long-standing capacity constraints and modernizes a campus that has been incrementally updated for decades.

For planners and venue operators, the mixed program of exhibition floor, flexible display areas and a large rooftop ballroom creates new revenue streams and programming possibilities.

Context: delays, recovery and a wave of city projects

This expansion has been in planning for decades. It faced repeated delays from funding and logistical hurdles — a familiar story for civic megaprojects.

Its revival reflects a convergence of financing and political will. The calendar pressure of the 2028 Olympics also played a role.

This project is part of a broader wave of Los Angeles development, including work by BIG and Foster + Partners. These efforts follow the city’s recovery from recent wildfires and reinforce Downtown LA’s trend toward new investment.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Images revealed for LA Convention Center “decades in the making”