Charlotte Convention Center

[KJHburg]

A fire chiefs convention was ongoing this week here.  This is looking great and will be helpful in rebuilding the convention business.  Today.   Check out that walkway across Stonewall. 

[RANYC]

2 hours ago, KJHburg said:

A fire chiefs convention was ongoing this week here.  This is looking great and will be helpful in rebuilding the convention business.  Today.   Check out that walkway across Stonewall. 

Remind me - why are we spending money on a pedestrian skybridge in a fairly temperate climate?  Is it to create an amusement for conventioneers?  We've given up on Stonewall being a complete street for pedestrians?  Promise made to Westin to be "the" convention hotel, so the skybridge is a way to better integrate them?

Edited July 30, 2021 by RANYC

[KJHburg]

The pedestrian bridge is open air and it is being done to better connect the convention center and  yes the hotels on the other side of the street to the convention center.  Part of this expansion of the convention center includes breakout space outside and this is to better connect to that, the hotels across the street and Whole Foods.  Part of the end of the Rail Trail too when the bridge over 277 is done you will be able to walk to this point and disburse to the street level.  There are 2 hotels the Westin and the Home2Suites now on that side of the street and one more to come (the Element by Westin) 

[CLT2014]

5 hours ago, RANYC said:

Remind me - why are we spending money on a pedestrian skybridge in a fairly temperate climate?  Is it to create an amusement for conventioneers?  We've given up on Stonewall being a complete street for pedestrians?  Promise made to Westin to be "the" convention hotel, so the skybridge is a way to better integrate them?

Convention planners value having a direct connection between a hotel and the convention center on a level surface. It makes moving things back and forth easier. Charlotte is currently at a disadvantage compared to cities that have connected hotels that make planning more seamless. 

Imagine you are trying to wheel a heavy suitcase with things from your hotel room down to your booth in the convention center.... all while wearing a suit or being in heels.... you have to go down the ramp at the Westin, wait at the light in the direct 90 degree sun in humidity, drag the bag over the bumps on the curb cut out, then take the long way into the convention center by going up the hill on College to the main entrance area by the fountains and the Village Green pedestrian light... by that point a lot of people are sweating through an undershirt when they want to be focused on sales, networking, and looking professional. 

With the bridge, you have a flat and level surface to move things directly between the hotel and convention space that is dramatically closer.

Edited July 30, 2021 by CLT2014

[CharlotteWkndBuzz]

Nice pics!  I think the reno looks great too.  Kind of wish they would add another video board on the Stonewall side of the convention center though.   Stonewall is a busy corridor and the constant eyes from the new pedestrian bridge and light rail...having a video on the stonewall side could promote events and other things more effectively than just the one video board on college st.

[KJHburg]

Couple more as I was walking out.  I really think they turned this bland convention center into something a lot more interesting at least along Stonewall. 

[stiluvclt]

Maybe I'm speaking too soon but I can't believe they would make all of those beautiful aesthetic improvements and leave those ugly vents on the Stonewall 1st floor side exposed. If the idea (or on of the ideas) is to make it all more pedestrian friendly, maybe some awnings or sidewalk cafe look (or a sidewalk cafe) would make all of those utility vents disappear. A lot of money spent to still have that "industrial look at street level. Like I say, I may be speaking too soon.

[KJHburg]

1 hour ago, stiluvclt said:

Maybe I'm speaking too soon but I can't believe they would make all of those beautiful aesthetic improvements and leave those ugly vents on the Stonewall 1st floor side exposed. If the idea (or on of the ideas) is to make it all more pedestrian friendly, maybe some awnings or sidewalk cafe look (or a sidewalk cafe) would make all of those utility vents disappear. A lot of money spent to still have that "industrial look at street level. Like I say, I may be speaking too soon.

on the Stonewall side there is also the truck ramp down to the main convention floor so that might need it for that.  As I have said I really never seen a great convention center by their very nature they are huge windowless buildings that sprawl across downtowns across America.  The other side of the street is far better on the Whole Foods Westin side though the Westin could spuce up their areas facing Stonewall.  Maybe they will with the JW Marriott opening across the street. 

[TheMightyBK]

Would be neat to have an elevated rooftop park on top of this thing


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[Mgelbach]

[JeanClt]

http://up-bucket-0.s3.amazonaws.com/monthly_2021_09/_A735767-HDR.thumb.jpg.fd5610de41658bae7bbbca61602fa89e.jpg
http://up-bucket-0.s3.amazonaws.com/monthly_2021_09/_A735797-HDR.thumb.jpg.fbc596be5b18f98f8073346b78e3f2e8.jpg
http://up-bucket-0.s3.amazonaws.com/monthly_2021_09/_A735812-HDR.thumb.jpg.d2beac49d9a3773d2f2efbed6145c1d1.jpg
http://up-bucket-0.s3.amazonaws.com/monthly_2021_09/_A735822-HDR.thumb.jpg.1eb0893582e2558d820215432c6b4b21.jpg
http://up-bucket-0.s3.amazonaws.com/monthly_2021_09/_A735842-HDR.thumb.jpg.7be123a9e76b86954d5c8cba615c2166.jpg
http://up-bucket-0.s3.amazonaws.com/monthly_2021_09/_A735857-HDR.thumb.jpg.53b7478b55387ccd7726e32eabc64458.jpg
http://up-bucket-0.s3.amazonaws.com/monthly_2021_09/_A735862-HDR.thumb.jpg.90a51c92eaa66f78de8707aa54b59826.jpg

You never disappoint.


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[SouthernSkyline]

2 hours ago, Mgelbach said:

Oh wow. Pretty sure I saw you taking these  last night. Awesome as always. 

[Mgelbach]

39 minutes ago, SouthernSkyline said:

Oh wow. Pretty sure I saw you taking these  last night. Awesome as always. 

That's awesome!

I was over there a few nights ago and found some good spots so I was free last night and figured I'd grab a few picture for UP and one of my friends at Holder

[TheMightyBK]

The more I see that low-slung box amidst the tall, glass “trees”, the more I think that roof needs a park.


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[KJHburg]

Today looking good and really like this pedestrian bridge over Stonewall.  

[KJHburg]

couple more of the convention center and bridge over Stonewall.  Just thinking about the new 381 room JW Marriott we have almost 1100 hotel rooms right by the convention center now not to mention the Embassy Suites and Home2Suites across from the center too. 

[Blue_Devil]

Expansion to be revealed on Thursday

https://twitter.com/JoeBrunoWSOC9/status/1449021914618470400

123 Million$

Edited October 15, 2021 by Blue_Devil

[Blue_Devil]

So the Unveiling is going on right now, but its not being streamed or anything from what I can see. Anyone have an update? 

Edited October 21, 2021 by Blue_Devil

[tozmervo]

1 hour ago, Blue_Devil said:

So the Unveiling is going on right now, but its not being streamed or anything from what I can see. Anyone have an update? 

Looks like it was just a ribbon cutting opportunity for the politicos. 

[RANYC]

19 minutes ago, tozmervo said:

Looks like it was just a ribbon cutting opportunity for the politicos. 

According to a twitter post, the gathering erupted in applause when Mayor Lyles declared the convention center project on time and on budget.

Sadly, all I seem to hear and read concerning the convention business is that plenty of companies and associations learned during the pandemic that much of what happens  at a convention can happen very effectively through virtual means, reducing the need for large, in-person gatherings.  Leaves me feeling quite a bit bearish on this new center's prospects, but is anyone reading otherwise?

Edited October 21, 2021 by RANYC

[KJHburg]

I do think in person conventions will come back maybe not to the levels once before but look how live sports have come back to crowds both in and outside.   Plus this new addition has more breakout rooms and some outside socializing space which is probably be very important in the future.  But conventions and in person meetings will come back in some form or fashion just as pro and college sports have.  

[QCxpat]

Today's CBJ "City Leaders see more events ahead with opening of $126.9M Charlotte Convention Center expansion" by Jennifer Thomas

Excerpt:  "The city of Charlotte and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority marked the official opening of that project today, after nearly two years of construction.  It stands to make Charlotte more competitive for meetings and conventions — a nearly $300 billion industry — with increased capacity, accessibility and flexible spaces."  ...  "The expansion added approximately 50,000 square feet of meeting room and pre-function space.  It now has 55 meeting rooms, up from 41.  There are also two flexible 10,000-square-foot spaces that can be configured 19 different ways to meet client needs and capacity requirements."  "A primary component of the expansion is an exterior over-street pedestrian walkway, which connects the Charlotte Convention Center to the adjacent 700-room Westin Charlotte.  It features "Skyline," an immersive public artwork experience by Narduli Studio.  That LED art installation centers around the themes of Fabric of the Sky, Wind, City Lights, Night Sky and Hyper Objects." ... "Tom Murray, CEO of the CRVA, says events are happening at the convention center, but business travel is still recovering.  Leisure travel is up 20% from pre-Covid levels."  “We’re starting to see the recovery,” he says.  "The project was delivered on time and on budget despite construction challenges." ... "Efforts are ongoing to position Charlotte as a meetings and events destination.  The convention center is a valuable community asset that will help raise national and international awareness about the Queen City, Tom Murray says."  “We know Charlotte is a special place, and what this space does is gives us a chance to show new people who are interested in Charlotte why this is a place to come,” says Mayor Vi Lyles."

• Photo Credit:  MELISSA KEY/CBJ
• Link:  https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2021/10/21/convention-center-opens-1269m-expansion.html

Edited October 21, 2021 by QCxpat

[KJHburg]

first time I have been here in person and I think this looks great.  I can sit there and work in the middle of the street looking at the skyline.  Like it.   Like those faux stones a seat but not too comfortable. 

[kayman]

1 hour ago, KJHburg said:

first time I have been here in person and I think this looks great.  I can sit there and work in the middle of the street looking at the skyline.  Like it.   Like those faux stones a seat but not too comfortable. 

I saw the Charlotte Convention Center last week myself and it's impressive.  It's obvious that any future expansions will be vertical to preserve the street grid of Uptown.  Future expansion(s) are needed, CCC needs to be at least 1 million+ square foot convention/exhibition center, as it should be one of the leading convention cities with CLT being one of the nation's and world's busiest airports. I would love to see CCC host the American Planning Association (APA) annual conference, American Public Transportation Association (APTA) convention both of which are huge multiple day conferences drawing 1000s of professionals from around the nation. This would be a huge boost for Charlotte's profile as an host city for major conferences and conventions in the sector. 

[KJHburg]

I hope this convention is HUGE.  I saw the sign on the convention center and surely this will fill up some hotel rooms.  I had a friend in Charleston who retired from the largest paving company in the Lowcountry.   The convention is  booking rooms in 9 hotels which is great. 

https://nationalpavementexpo.com/

Edited January 28, 2022 by KJHburg