Winston-Salem’s Convention Center to Begin Renovation

Winston-Salem’s Benton Convention Center will start a multimillion-dollar renovation in January 2016. Atlanta-based tvsdesign, an internationally recognized architectural and design firm, will lead the multi-phased project.

“Having tvsdesign, a recognized leader for designing world-class convention centers worldwide, lead this project will establish the Benton Convention Center as a first-class convention facility in the Southeast,” said Richard Geiger, president of Visit Winston-Salem.

Located in downtown Winston-Salem, the 100,000-sf Benton Convention Center will undergo significant structural, design and technological upgrades to the interior and exterior of the building. Key design elements will create more open, flexible meeting space and incorporate architectural nods to Winston-Salem’s historic arts, tobacco and textile roots. The plans also include expanding the front façade to provide more practical prefunction space. More windows and skylights will be added to give the venue a contemporary, open and inviting aesthetic. The center will remain operational throughout all phases of the project, which is expected to be finalized May 2017.

Geiger said, “This renovation project enables Winston-Salem to connect the activity taking place in our downtown with the experience our planners and attendees desire. This redesign, along with the more than $1 billion spent on downtown development initiatives in the last 15 years, will attract more events to Winston-Salem and ensure existing clients return and grow with us.”

www.visitwinstonsalem.com