By a unanimous vote, the Pasadena (Calif.) City Council yesterday approved the concept of an expansion to the Pasadena Conference Center. The $71 million expansion is expected to be completed in 2007, officials said.
The expansion will increase meeting space from 28,000 square feet to 38,800 square feet and include the addition of a divisible, 24,800-square-foot ballroom.
"We are thrilled to be moving forward," said Pam Hemann, president of the Pasadena Center Operating Co. board of directors. "We know many of our clients have been eagerly awaiting this day. By expanding, we will have a new, state-of-the-art facility that is nearly double the size of the current Center, giving meeting planners added capacity and flexibility."
"The design development phase will last approximately 18 months, with construction expected to begin in mid-2004," said PCOC CEO Roger Smith. "The project will be constructed in phases, so as not to inconvenience any of our clients who are scheduled to meet at the Center while work is under way."
The ballroom will be constructed first, with an estimated completion date of mid-2005. The exhibit space will be constructed with a projected completion date of mid-2006. The new façade that will be placed on the existing conference building will complete the project in early 2007.
