LOUISVILLE, Ky.
The expansion and renovation of Louisville’s downtown convention center has begun.
The Kentucky State Fair Board announced the closure of the Kentucky International Convention Center as it undergoes a $207 million makeover. Louisville’s largest convention center, The Kentucky Exposition Center which is adjacent to the airport, remains open for business while the downtown center expands.
Third Street between Market and Jefferson Streets will remain open through the end of the year when the Kentucky International Convention Center expansion project begins on August 17.
Hunt Construction, the general contractor is revising plans to help mitigate downtown traffic congestion around the convention center. Additionally, LMPD will monitor traffic flow.
Barriers and construction fencing will go up around the building within the coming weeks. The construction area is in the block bordered by Third and Fourth Streets between Market and Jefferson.
The KICC construction project will expand exhibit hall and ballroom space in the same footprint. Studies show that with the additional convention space along with more than 1500 new hotel rooms can attract up to 25 percent more convention business when completed in summer, 2018.
In addition to the expansion, Louisville is undergoing a transformation with $1 billion invested in projects including a new 600-room Omni Louisville Hotel, more bourbon distilleries and attractions and other investments. To follow this progress, visit www.transformationlouisville.com.
