The renovation and expansion of the convention center comprehensively updates the conventioneer experience foregrounding the pedestrian arrival and landscape experience. The Elm St Plaza converts a one-block stretch of Elm St exclusively to pedestrian use, raised up to show floor elevation, framing flexible use paved plaza with densely planted woodland ellipses and sinuous furrows for informal seating and strolling. An outdoor café building activates the landscape, continuing the city-wide tradition of a full bar in a park setting.
The Elm Street Plaza landscape partially opened to the public in November for the inaugural 2025 seasonal skating rink, with final construction to conclude in spring 2026.
