Midwest Insider

With official plans in hand, Detroit's years-in-the-making expansion and renovation of the Cobo Exhibition & Conference Center will break ground this July. The $220-million project, slated for completion in 2014, will redefine the convention center with a three-story glass atrium that will unite main and lower-level exhibit space, as well as give Cobo a "front porch" facing the Detroit River. A new giant video screen on the east side will promote events and serve as a sort of calling card for the new facility.

Beyond upgrades for safety, media, interior finishes, parking, and load-in/load-out, the makeover's major goal is to trade Cobo's concrete facades for airy, contemporary-feeling glass. With more light and unobstructed views, the renovated center should provide a stronger sense of place, which can only help it feel more connected to the city. The adjacent Cobo Arena will also take on new life as auxiliary meeting and pre-function space and will offer a 40,000-square-foot ballroom for stand-alone events.

The center will remain open for business during the renovation, with bulk of the new work complete in time for the North American International Auto Show in 2014 and full completion by December of that year.

Read more about the center on the Cvent Destination Guide.