City of LA and Partners Break Ground on LA Convention Center

Ceremony Marks the Start of Construction on $2.6 Billion Investment

LOS ANGELES (October 1, 2025) - Construction officially began today on the LA Convention Center (LACC) Expansion and Modernization Project. Mayor Karen Bass, LA City Councilmembers, California Assemblymembers and other City officials joined the Project's development, construction and design partners to mark the start of construction of a $2.6 billion public infrastructure project at a groundbreaking ceremony. A groundbreaking photo is attached and see renderings and a video of the project here.

"The expansion of the LA Convention Center is critical to our effort to revitalize the Downtown area, create new economic opportunities and send a message to the world that LA is ready to compete and win on the global stage," said Mayor Karen Bass. "I want to thank the City Council for taking the bold action needed to initiate this project, and I also want to acknowledge our labor leaders for their partnership as well. I look forward to working with all of our partners to deliver this expansion on-time and in a fiscally responsible manner."

This investment will add 190,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space connecting the existing South Hall and the West Hall above Pico Blvd and a new, 98,000-square-foot rooftop ballroom. It will create more than 15,000 jobs, add $652 million in General Fund tax revenue over 30 years and draw in over $150 million in additional visitor spending each year.

"Los Angeles doesn't wait for the future to arrive. We build it," said Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. "This decision ensures our city welcomes the world, strengthens Downtown LA and creates economic opportunity for generations."

"I have been a steadfast advocate for more than a decade, championing investments in this civic treasure," said Councilmember Curren Price. "I am proud to host this vital institution in my district and look forward to the positive impact a modernized Convention Center will have on attracting new restaurants, creative spaces, and hotels while creating thousands of local jobs, unlocking new workforce opportunities, boosting tourism and attracting world-class conventions."

"A new era of LA begins today," said Doane Liu, Chief Tourism Officer and Executive Director of the LA City Tourism Department. "The City Council and Mayor approved this project less than two weeks ago and we have already started construction. This is a significant milestone as we signal to the world that LA is ready to invest in itself and committed to being a world-class destination with a thriving tourism industry. The City will work closely with our development and construction partners to ensure milestones are met and we are prepared to welcome Angelenos and visitors to a new building in 2029."

"Today's groundbreaking marks a significant step forward in expanding the Convention Center and revitalizing Downtown Los Angeles," said Steve Kang, President, Board of Public Works. "The Board of Public Works is committed to ensuring this project is executed efficiently, with careful oversight and accountability, so that the City is fully prepared to welcome the world during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, while leaving a lasting benefit for our community."

A majority of the construction will be finished by Spring 2028 and the final project will be complete by Spring 2029. The LACC will remain fully operational throughout the expansion project. The City's development partner for the Project is Plenary Americas and the general contractor is a joint venture of PCL Construction and Webcor Construction. They will deliver the Project with a design team led by Populous, and through many subcontractors, suppliers and partners.

"Plenary Americas is delighted to finally start construction and we are committed to ensuring the project is delivered on time and on budget," said Stuart Marks, Senior Vice President, Plenary Americas. "We appreciate the partnership and collaboration with the City departments and agencies to date and we also greatly appreciate the support and leadership of the City Council and the Mayor in achieving this important milestone and in the successful delivery of the project."

"This investment in the Convention Center is an investment in the future of Los Angeles," said Mike Headrick, Senior Vice President, PCL Webcor Joint Venture. "The expansion will create thousands of good-paying jobs and generate billions in local revenue from tourism, conferences, and global events. At PCL Webcor, we're proud to partner with the City to deliver not just a world-class facility, but a lasting workforce and economic legacy that extends well beyond the 2028 Olympic Games."

"Populous has been committed to delivering exceptional design for the LA Convention Center modernization project since day one," said Michael Lockwood, Senior Principal and Project Executive at Populous. "We're honored to continue this journey with the City and our partners as we bring the vision to life. This design unifies and expands the convention center, integrating into the legendary LA Live entertainment district to create a place where people from around the world can gather to celebrate the energy and diversity of Los Angeles. The new LACC will be a premier global convention destination, and we're proud to play a part in this generational opportunity for an iconic American city."