Late yesterday we saw the first proposed renderings for the new Convention Center hall, which would replace the current West Hall if/when it's demolished to make way for developer AEG's Farmers Field NFL stadium (AEG's deal with the city requires them to build the new hall, although they'll get plenty of bond help). Now let's find out a little more about the details and the reactions to the plan:
-- Let's start with that giant LACOEX. The new name is "a short way of saying convention center and exhibition hall," according to the LA Times.
-- The proposed new hall, designed by architecture firm Populous, is about 20,000 square foot and is elevated a story above ground level, according to the LA Daily News. It straddles Pico Boulevard, bridging the space between the semi-circular South Hall and the Farmers Field site to the west of Staples Center.
-- That set up will unify the currently divided Convention Center, making it more attractive to events that would rather use one large space than have their attendees scramble across Pico.
-- Plans also include a new free-standing ballroom building to the southeast and upgrades to Gilbert Lindsay Plaza ("twice the amount of green space and additional gardens").
-- Councilmembers Jan Perry and Bill Rosendahl "were generally positive," according to the LAT.
-- Councilmember Ed Reyes, who represents Pico-Union on the other side of the 110, said the designs "failed to account for how Angelenos would benefit from the project and instead have focused on building an international icon." AEG says it will work with him.
And meanwhile, in Indiana, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell dangles the possibility of two expansion teams in LA's face, reports the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
· Councilman Ed Reyes criticizes Convention Center plan [LAT]
· New design unites L.A. Convention Center [LADN]
· Here Are the Designs For LA's Proposed New Convention Center [Curbed LA]
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