Convention Complex
The City of Cedar Rapids is building a new convention complex in downtown, which includes the renovation of the U.S. Cellular Center arena and the former Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel. When the complex is completed in February 2013, it will become the second largest convention and events complex in the state of Iowa.
Convention Complex Details
The Cedar Rapids Convention Complex includes a new exhibit hall, ballrooms, meeting rooms and pre-function space, plus a renovated events arena and renovated hotel with an additional ballroom and meeting room space.
Overall, the complex will feature approximately 72,300 square feet of exhibit space, 13,000 square feet of ballroom space and 21,500 square feet of meeting room space.
In addition, the hotel portion of the project includes a total of 176,000 square feet of renovated space and will feature a full-service, up-scale hotel with approximately 19,500 square feet of additional meeting room space.
Timeline
Spring of 2013: Grand opening of the new Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
- March 2011: City takes possession of hotel
- March 2011: Property demolition begins
- April 2011 - November 2012: Hotel renovation
- July 2011: U.S. Cellular Center closed
- August 2011 - November 2012: Arena renovation
- August 2011 - February 2013: Construction of new convention center
- Fall of 2012: Arena reopens
- Spring of 2013: Hotel and Convention Center opens
Hotel & Arena Renovations for the Convention Complex
Hotel Renovations(Former Crowne Plaza Five Season Hotel)
- Level 1: Rebuild hotel lobby entrance on street level
- Level 2: Build new concourse with full concessions and ADA-compliant entrances to the arena
- Levels 3-5: Renovate into meeting room spaces; Maintain swimming pool and workout room
- Levels 6-15: Renovate 236 guest rooms
- Level 16: Maintain restaurant and meeting space; Expand meeting space through elimination of second story of 15th floor presidential suites
- Exterior: Resurface exterior with lighter color and replace all windows
Arena Renovations (U.S. Cellular Center)
- Level 1: Remove west end lower seating to build larger stage, which will make room for increased seating capacity throughout the rest of the arena
- Level 2: Build new concourse with full concessions and ADA-compliant entrances to the arena
- All Levels:
- Replace seating
- Improve sound system
- Increase restroom capacity
- Additional concession areas