Washington Convention Center Nears Completion

The $800-million Washington Convention Center is slated for completion by March 31, 2003. Bethesda's Clark Construction Group is the general contractor for the 2.3-million-sf facility, which will house over 700,000-sf of exhibit hall space in five halls, 77 multifunctional meeting rooms totalling 125,000-sf, and a 52,000-sf, 5,000-seat ballroom. 44,000-sf of retail and restaurant space will be along the center's perimeter at street level. Convention technologies including fiber-optic and satellite systems accompany high-tech lighting, audio-visual, and Internet systems. Construction manager for the project is Clark/Smoot, a joint venture between Clark Construction and Smoot Construction. The center was designed by D.C.-firms Devrouax & Purnell Architects-Planners and Mariani Architects Engineers, and Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates of Atlanta.