Colorado Convention Center Expansion 2020

Centrally located in Denver, with its iconic roof structure, extensive public art, and expansive glass facade, the Colorado Convention Center is one of the state’s major landmarks. Martin/Martin provided structural engineering services for the original 2-story 1M SF 1990 facility, which included a 300,000 SF exhibition hall, 40,000 SF ballroom, and 74,000 SF meeting area. Martin/Martin also provided structural engineering for the expansion of original convention center from 1M SF to 2.4M SF in 2004. Construction of the new facility included several unique challenges, including building over an existing operating light-rail line without disruption of its service. This project also included a 1,000-vehicle parking structure and a 5,000 fixed-seat auditorium.

Most recently (2020), the Colorado Convention Center embarked on one of the largest overbuild expansion projects in the US, adding 200,000 SF of usable space above its existing facility. To overcome the challenges of this massive, overbuild expansion, the design-build team employed creative design and construction methods, collaborating closely to work within the limitations of the existing structure with minimal disruptions to the convention center’s operations. The expansion’s unique features include cantilevered floor spaces, innovative use of existing columns, and multi-function floor trusses engineered to support a 500-ton crawler crane during construction.