Renasant Convention Center

255 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 United States

Building Area (sf): 700,000 SF

Completion: January 2021

Transformation of a 1970s brutalist concrete building into an inviting contemporary facility with spacious conference spaces and outdoor gathering spaces, drawing daylight deep within.

In the heart of downtown Memphis, the 1970s brutalist concrete Convention Center was disconnected from the streets and people around it. Before embarking on this transformative renovation, the facility provided tired finishes, basic event opportunities for the event planners and guests, well behind current standards. The meeting rooms were uninspiring including oppressive 9-foot ceilings, poor circulation flow forced food trolleys and other traditional back of house services to navigate through guests during events, event load-in and load-out were painstakingly slow due to inefficient loading dock and elevator system, many of the building services were at the end of their lifecycle and needed replacement.

The goals were ambitious — attract larger conventions by addressing the many underlying deficiencies, revitalize the surrounding area including the historic Pinch District, and seamlessly blend the outdoors with the indoors providing breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. To achieve these goals, bold moves were needed, the existing mezzanine was removed, and meeting rooms were organized around a central services core, an underused open area overlooking the Mississippi was captured to provide additional meeting spaces. All meeting rooms provide 20-foot ceilings and allow for multiple configurations based on the event needs. A beautiful waffle slab was exposed in the parking garage through removal of lay-in ceiling, new LED lighting and sound system softly playing blues music creates a warm, inviting experience.

The existing loading dock was removed and reconfigured providing loading spaces on the ground level and additional spaces adjacent to the massive Exhibit Hall. This has greatly increased the ability to host events, resulting in hosting of a greater number of events throughout the year. Existing lighting throughout the facility has been replaced by LED fixtures with occupancy sensors and control systems. Replacement of the existing chiller plant with multiple chillers provides greater temperature control, especially when large spaces are not in use. Dependent on their condition, the majority of the building systems were either replaced or refurbished to extend their lifespan.

Each level now invites guests to experience the outdoors, through floor to ceiling curtainwall imbuing daylight deep within the concourses and multiple terraces along the western facade of the building provide a moment of respite, offering visitors breathtaking vistas of the sun setting gracefully over the tranquil river. A "jewel box" executive meeting room punctuates the eastern facade overlooking historic main street. All this energizes the streets surrounding the Convention Center.

The success of the transformation is exemplified by the return of several large conferences that had abandoned the facility due to the previous deficiencies. The Convention Center's transformation was more than the physical changes; it was about transforming Memphis itself, honoring the history of the city and the Mississippi, celebrating nature of the people, art and music. As visitors and Memphians alike cross the mighty Mississippi River, they are welcomed by the stunning sunsets reflecting off the metal panels, beckoning them to experience Memphis's rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

Photography Captions & Credits: Ken West, Kong Wee Pang + Jay Crum, Ben Butler, LRK