COLUMBUS, Ohio – To compete with the recent convention center additions and expansions of Nashville, Cleveland and Indianapolis, Columbus has announced plans for a $25 million to $30 million convention center renovation.

The Greater Columbus Convention Center will improve revamp its look to blend seamlessly with the modern Hilton Columbus Downtown and Hyatt Regency hotels, which are connected to the convention center.

“We’ll have the same level of richness at the Hilton and Hyatt,” said Bill Jennison, executive director of the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority. “We’ll do it in phases, like they’re doing at Port Columbus, because we’re a busy, active building and can’t close. We have to stay in full operation.”

The renovations will improve the look of the convention center, especially focusing on details like the ceilings, lighting and wall coverings. Completed in 1993, the convention center has undergone an expansion in 2001, and a ballroom renovation in 2010.

The Greater Columbus Convention Center features 1.7 million square feet of space, including the Battelle Grand ballroom.

For more information, read The Columbus Dispatch article or visit www.columbusconventions.com.