The Orange County Convention Center, ranked as one of the nation's top convention facilities by Tradeshow Week, underwent an expansion project to increase exhibition, meeting room, and public space to seven million square feet. PCL’s contribution to the upgrade consisted of new construction and a modification to the center’s existing entrance. The scope included site work, utility relocation, and the enclosure of two open-air crosswalks, as well as the construction of a structural steel slab on metal deck and a three-level lobby area. At the north end of the convention center, PCL modified an existing loading dock area, which included a new concrete ramp and modification to the existing roadways.
Because the Orange County Convention Center was in full operation during construction, each show brought unique and sometimes obtuse materials into the facility. These materials necessitated the regular shifting of site fencing, which made standard temporary construction fences unrealistic. PCL initiated the use of site fencing panels, which were placed on stands and weighted down with masonry blocks and/or sand bags. This alternative successfully limited disruption to the center’s back-of-house operations.
Excellence in Construction Eagle Award for Renovation/Historical Restoration - Associated Builders and Contractors, Central Florida Chapter