Los Angeles has officially broken ground on a monumental $2.6 billion expansion and modernization of the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), a project poised to reshape the city’s downtown core, enhance its global standing, and stimulate significant economic growth.
Mayor Karen Bass, alongside city leaders and project partners, marked the milestone on October 1, 2025, signaling the start of a transformative endeavor years in the making. This ambitious undertaking aims to transform the LACC into a world-class facility capable of attracting larger, more lucrative conventions and events, thereby bolstering the city’s popular tourism industry.
A New Era for Convention Hosting
The centerpiece of the expansion is the construction of a new structure that will connect the existing South and West Exhibit Halls, creating a contiguous exhibition space of 190,000 square feet above Pico Boulevard. This crucial development will bring the LACC’s total exhibit space to over 1 million square feet, allowing the city to compete more effectively with major convention destinations nationwide and internationally. In addition to expanded exhibit areas, the project includes approximately 55,000 to 95,000 square feet of new meeting room space and a new 98,000-square-foot rooftop ballroom, offering versatile options for a wide range of events. The redesign of Gilbert Lindsay Plaza is also part of the revitalization efforts, aiming to create more public open space.
Economic Engine and Job Creation
City officials project that the expansion will be a significant economic driver for Los Angeles. The investment is expected to create more than 15,000 jobs, encompassing both construction roles and permanent positions that will support the expanded facility. Furthermore, the project is anticipated to generate an estimated $652 million in General Fund tax revenue over the next 30 years and increase annual visitor spending by over $150 million. This influx of economic activity is expected to provide a substantial boost to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retailers, especially in Downtown los angeles.
A Long-Planned Vision Takes Shape
This groundbreaking follows over a decade of planning and debate. The current Los Angeles Convention Center, built in 1971 and last expanded in the 1990s, has been seen as increasingly unable to meet the demands of modern, large-scale conventions. The LACC’s general manager, Kimberly Weedmark, stated that the project “will allow us to increase the number of top-tier programs that we welcome to Los Angeles.” Mayor Bass has been a staunch advocate, championing the project in her State of the City addresses and emphasizing its role in revitalizing the heart of the city. Key partners in this massive project include the global design firm Populous, development partner Plenary Americas, and construction joint venture PCL Construction and Webcor Construction.
Financial Scrutiny and Downtown Revitalization
The $2.6 billion price tag has not been without its critics. The City Controller, Kenneth Mejia, and Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky have voiced concerns about the significant long-term financial implications and the burden on the city’s General Fund, with some analyses projecting costs of up to $5.9 billion including borrowing. Despite these reservations, the City Council approved the plan, viewing the expansion as a necessary investment for future economic prosperity. The project is also intrinsically linked to broader downtown revitalization efforts, with concurrent initiatives focusing on enhanced public safety, cleanliness, and the fast-tracking of development permits. These efforts aim to create a more vibrant and appealing environment for residents and visitors alike.
Olympic Preparations and Future Outlook
The expansion is also strategically timed to enhance the city’s readiness for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, for which the LACC is slated to host several sporting events, including fencing, taekwondo, judo, and table tennis. Construction is scheduled for substantial completion by spring 2028, with a final delivery in spring 2029, although work will temporarily pause during the Games. While challenges and financial considerations remain, the groundbreaking signifies a bold commitment to the future of Los Angeles as a premier global destination for conventions, sports, and entertainment. The news represents a significant development for the city and its residents, marking a tangible step towards realizing a more competitive and economically robust future for Downtown los angeles.
