Owner: Lexington Convention Center
Location: Lexington, KY
General Contractor: Messer Construction Company
Architect: NBBJ (Los Angeles) and EOP (Lexington)
MEP Engineer: ME Engineers (Los Angeles) and CMTA (Lexington)
We are pleased to announce that Grote Enterprises has been awarded by Messer Construction Company the HVAC Mechanical and Plumbing scope of work for the newly expanded Lexington Convention Center and Rupp Arena. The contract includes all new UK Hospitality Clubs, new upper arena chairback seats and new parking structures. The three-year construction project began with a public groundbreaking in mid-July 2018 and will be completed in November 2021. The project will be built in phases to allow Rupp Arena and much of the existing convention center to remain in operation during construction.
The original 2014 Lexington Convention Center design, approved in December 2016, was developed by NBBJ Architects of Los Angeles, CA and EOP Architects, Lexington and includes 100,800 square feet of exhibit halls, a 25,185 ballroom, 30,270 square feet of flexible meeting spaces and 110,234 square feet of pre-function and circulation space.
According to LCC Chairman Craig Turner, “Today marks a very happy ending and an exciting new beginning to a project that will transform the life of downtown Lexington. There are many people to thank for their commitment and unwavering support of this project. We thank Mayor Jim Gray for first proposing the project in 2011 and former LCC Chairman Brent Rice who spearheaded it. Our gratitude extends to Governor Bevin and Secretary Landrum for the Commonwealth’s financial support. Special thanks to Councilmen Bill Farmer and Kevin Stinnett who were great advocates for this project and to LFUCG City Council for providing its financial support. Thanks also to VisitLex for its financial contributions. We thank the University of Kentucky for its commitment for the next 15 years, revitalizing Rupp Arena as the primary place and home court for UK basketball. And finally, thanks to Lexington Center CEO and President Bill Owen, and the staff of Lexington Center.”
