Crashing a hammer through a sheetrock wall, Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry kicked off the renovation on the first phase of the Albuquerque Convention Center recently.

Phase I of the $20 million project is scheduled for completion in August 2013 and includes:

• Renovation of the West Building upper level ballrooms A, B, and C and adjacent restrooms including new ceiling, wall and floor treatments, moveable partitions, lighting, an improved sound system and other improvements.
• Renovation of the West Building lower level kitchen including a new layout and improved food service equipment plus a food tasting and demonstration room.
• Installation of a new service corridor and service elevator for the ballrooms.
• Demolition of the south ramp to the loading dock.
• Recoating of the East Building exterior walls and parapets including the skybridge over 2nd Street.

Phase II will begin in Fall 2013 and is scheduled for completion in summer 2014. The Albuquerque Convention Center renovation project is part of over $300 million in recent improvements to the Albuquerque hospitality product. Get the details here: http://www.itsatrip.org/meetings/whats-new/abqconvcenterrenovation.aspx.


Pictured in the groundbreaking photo (L to R): Lew Dawley, general manager of the Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry and Dale Lockett, president/CEO Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau.