Colorado Convention Center Expansion Project

The expansion of the Colorado Convention Center includes a new 80,000 square foot column free multipurpose room and outdoor rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the city skyline and mountains.  The project will be the largest ballroom in Colorado and expand one of the largest buildings in Denver.  On the ground floor, there will be lobby renovations and seamless integration with the existing building, while offering attendees safe and easy access to an additional 150,000 square feet of meeting space, 600,000 square feet of exhibit space and a 5,000 seat Bellco Theatre. 

The improvements will serve the needs of modern day convention-goers and differentiate the facility from others, ensuring it remains an attractive and global competitor. When complete, the expansion will generate an additional $85 million in annual economic impact. The project is anticipated to be completed in late 2023, while ensuring it can continue to operate during construction.

Photos and Conceptual Drawings of the Expansion

D Lobby Looking North at Exhibit Level

Aerial image of construction progress

D Lobby Overlook From West Prefunction

Public Corridor at Multi-function Space

Multi-function Space Looking North

Terrace Looking West

Construction Timeline

Schedule subject to change. Updated as of April 2021.

CCC-XP Construction Timeline - View Full Size(PDF, 66KB)

Project Features

Highlights of this project include:

• Rooftop expansion connecting new Ballroom and Pre-function spaces to landscaped outdoor areas with a birds-eye view of downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains.
• Technology improvements and inviting networking spaces that position the CCC as the industry leader.
• Seamless integration with the existing building while offering attendees safe and easy access to CCC and Bellco Theatre events.

Project Benefits

The design and construction of the expansion project is projected to:

• Create or support 2,691 jobs, including skilled trades and apprenticeships that will offer training opportunities for Denver residents currently out of work.
• Generate $195M in labor income
• Generate $475M in anticipated sales
• Add approximately $4B to the Gross Regional Product (GRP). GRP is the regional version of the national GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and is the single most useful and comprehensive metric for measuring economic impact.

Project Dashboard

Text Description of this Infographic(PDF, 91KB)

Training and Job Opportunities

Whether you're starting a career in construction or advancing in the industry, we hope you find your place on the Colorado Convention Center Expansion Project.

• Learn more about career opportunities(PDF, 98KB) that exist with companies building the CCC-XP.

Additionally, CCC-XP is partnering with WORKNOW, a local platform that provides training, coaching and placement assistance, as well as family support services like childcare or the purchase of construction equipment and tools.

Get connected to WORKNOW here:

• WORKNOW Interest Form (English y Espanol)
• WORKNOW Phone Number: 303-352-6019
• Spread the word! Tell friends and family about WORKNOW with this printable information flyer (English and Spanish)

Minority and Women-Owned Business Spotlight

We’re proud to feature the minority and women-owned businesses that are part of the Colorado Convention Center Expansion Project, with some Q-and-A with two of our partner companies:

American GPR & Coring

President: Chelsea Husum

Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Since early 2020. 

Q: What is your scope of work on the Colorado Convention Center Expansion Project?
A: Core drilling and ground penetrating radar. 

Q: How has your contract with the Colorado Convention Center Expansion Project positively impacted your business?
A: We have created a strong relationship with RK Mechanical and have connected with other successful companies. 

Q: What is the most helpful method of outreach when pursuing applicable bid packages?
A: We prefer one on one gatherings with general contractors and their subcontractors, and networking opportunities for MWBE businesses specifically.

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Iron Horse Architects

Principal/Owner: Virginia McAllister

Q: How long have you been in business?
A: 17 years.

Q: What is your scope of work on the Colorado Convention Center Expansion Project?
A: Iron Horse is the associate architect. Our focus is on the vertical transportation, exiting and permitting and entitlement support.

Q: Were there any challenges on this project that the City and County of Denver or Hensel Phelps assisted you with?
A: Iron Horse has not had any challenges on this project. Much of this is due to excellent preproposal teaming and follow through by HP and TVS. The importance of the design team cannot be overlooked in this type of design build project.  Having the right partners who respect you and stick to the agreements is key.

Q: What is the best part of being an entrepreneur?
A: Nurturing the next generation of architects and having a positive impact on our community. Iron Horse focuses on projects that have a measurable positive impact on our clients, community and team. Success in this pursuit is the ultimate reward.

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