Downtown L.A.Convention Centre Expansion Approved After Decade-Long Debate
After more than ten years of discussion and planning, the Los Angeles City Council voted Friday to approve a major expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center. The project, estimated to add 325,000 square feet of space, passed with a vote of 12-2, with councilmembers Yaroslavsky and Nithya Raman dissenting.
The expansion will connect the Convention Center’s South Hall, recognizable by its curving green exterior facing the 10 and 110 Freeway interchange, with the West Hall, currently faded blue. A key component of the project involves constructing a new wing directly over Pico Boulevard, a factor described by project officials as “extraordinarily complicated and extraordinarily costly.”
the decision comes amidst concerns about the city’s financial stability. Raman voiced fears that a newly upgraded Convention Center could be surrounded by increased homelessness,perhaps deterring tourists and event attendees. She also highlighted the risk of losing state and federal funding crucial for housing programs.
Despite these concerns, proponents argue the expansion is vital for attracting large-scale national events and bolstering downtown L.A.’s economic recovery following the pandemic. Nella McOsker, president and CEO of the Central City Assn., stated the project offers “a model that can work” for attracting conventions accommodating tens of thousands of visitors.
The project is heavily supported by Southern California’s construction trade unions, who anticipate the creation of approximately 13,000 construction jobs, alongside 2,150 permanent positions. Sydney Berrard, a retired member of Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union No. 105, testified in favor of the project, emphasizing its importance for the economic security of local workers and their families.
Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez initially favored a less expensive choice plan, but ultimately shifted her vote to support the expansion, stating she would focus on securing “other people’s money” (OPM) to fund essential city services. Councilmember Bob Blumenfield,absent from the vote due to a pre-planned trip,expressed worry about the project’s completion timeline,fearing it may not be ready for the 2028 Olympic Games,which would carry critically important financial risks for the city.
Construction is slated to begin almost immediately, with demolition work planned to start next month.Ernesto Medrano, executive secretary of the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, affirmed the readiness of union workers to begin the project, calling it an investment in L.A.’s workforce.