Springfield’s Prairie Capital Convention Center nears end of renovation

Courtesy Prairie Capital Convention Center

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Located a few blocks from where Abraham Lincoln grew up, the Prairie Capital Convention Center will complete its almost $16 million renovation project later this year. Begun in September 2011, it is the first major renovation since the center was built in 1978.

Workers have already overhauled the 21,000 square feet of meeting space on the lower level. They installed new lighting, wall coverings, carpets and furnishings. On the main level, the lobby is being expanded, loading docks are being upgraded, and first-floor bathrooms and a food court are being added.

“They can expect this facility to be competitive in both quality and pricing,” said Brian Oaks, general manager. “Our renovation will reflect what groups have been telling us they’d like to see.”

A prairie-style theme uses a new color scheme and other design details inspired by the city’s Dana Thomas House, a Frank Lloyd Wright building. The center has 40,000 square feet of column-free exhibit space and 16 meeting rooms.

For more information, visit www.springfieldpccc.com.