In the fall of 2014 , the city and the civic center started working with an outside firm to develop criteria for a design-build competition , which would allow them to choose the project designer and builder at the same time . The remodel team is made up of trusted West Virginia businesses that are working diligently toward the civic center ’ s September 2018 completion date . BBL Carlton , ZMM Architects & Engineers , GAI Consultants Inc . and tvsdesign are using the Mountain State ’ s rugged landscape and rich natural resources as inspiration for the design project .
“ The design of the expansion and renovation of the Charleston Civic Center is inspired by the story of West Virginia ,” says Adam Krason , AIA , NCARB , LEED-AP , architect and principal at ZMM . “ Imagine a civic center with distinct , active nodes to celebrate each activity , arena , convention and banquet , connected by hills and cut rock faces , seen throughout the state as people work to connect to each other .”
With ZMM leading the design effort as the architect and engineer of record and GAI coordinating the site design outside of the building , there is hardly an area on the property untouched by this project .
“ As local companies with a long-term commitment to Charleston , our team understands the important role the civic center plays as both an economic development engine and as a source of civic pride ,” says Krason . “ Our team attempted to build on the strong , authentic character of Charleston and remake the civic center into a more efficient , more sustainable , more dynamic and more iconic best-in-class destination .”
Along with renovations to the existing structure , a new ballroom and meeting spaces and a redesigned arena entrance and lobby , the project extends out into the rest of the Charleston community as well . With GAI ’ s Director of Landscape Architecture David Gilmore , PLA , MBA , at the helm , the urban design elements outside of the civic center include restructuring Clendenin Street from four lanes to two and designing the new Elk River trail to connect the existing Kanawha River trail to a new riverfront park , which can be used by the convention center and the city for outdoor concerts and events .
“ This project reinforces our commitment to making downtown Charleston a livable , walkable , pedestrianfriendly city ,” says Gilmore . “ This isn ’ t just another project for us . GAI has been in Charleston for 30 years . Our families live and work here , and we use these facilities too .”
RENOVATIONS , UPGRADES AND ADDITIONS INCLUDE :
• 50,000-square-foot grand hall exhibit space
• Seating capacity of 13,500 and state-of-the-art lighting and sound system in the coliseum entertainment area
• Seating capacity of 738 in the Little Theater
• 1,200 on-site parking spaces
• Glass lobbies in the arena , convention center and ballroom
• 20 meeting rooms totalling 25,000 square feet
• 25,000-square-foot ballroom with 1,500 seating capacity
• 8,000-square-foot reception area overlooking the Elk River
Photo by Lauren Campbell