Minneapolis Convention Center Will Get $14.5 Million Facelift
The Minneapolis Convention Center will have a nearly $14.5 million facelift to enhance the “relationship building” for clients and to remain competitive by being more efficient, flexible and better able to respond to the needs of the customers, according to venue officials.
The enhancements will take place during a two-year period, while the MCC prepares for a busy time in its schedule
Some of the improvements include the Visitor Information Center, which is located in the main lobby and is being completely renovated, as well as moved closer to the facility’s main entrance on Second Avenue South to better serve guests.
In addition, a mezzanine level is being added that will add flexible space and can be used to hold events and includes seating and a lounge area for additional networking and meeting space. A bar will be added in the future as well.
The stairs that used to be located in the main lobby are being replaced with an elevator to add accessibility to the front of the facility.
Beyond those more visible changes, further improvements in 2014 are as follows:
• Carpet replacement on second floor meeting spaces and lobbies
• New energy-efficient escalators for the lobbies of Halls C, D, and E (Skyway escalators on either end of the MCC were completed earlier in 2014)
• Color changing LED lights for the exhibit hall interior domes will provide more options for meeting planners to enhance the exhibit hall decor
• Artwork will be added throughout the building from Corporate Art Force
The MCC is working with Corporate Art Force to provide art from local artists that will be displayed on a six-month rotation.
“We are using this art to highlight the creative community of Minneapolis to our hundreds of thousands of visitors each year,” said Jeff Johnson, MCC executive director. “And doing so will also add some texture and interest to our 1.6 million square feet of space.”
These changes will not only make the convention center more welcoming and convenient for visitors, but also more environmentally friendly, according to venue officials.
The MCC is committed to sustainability and recently achieved level one certification to the ASTM standard pertaining to the evaluation and selection of venues for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows and conferences.
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