The current project will add 29,500 m2 (317,000 ft2) to the existing building, including a new ballroom, meeting rooms, kitchen and support spaces. A total of 48,000 m2 (520,000 ft2) of contiguous exhibit space will also be added by connecting the below-grade portions of the North and South buildings.
The construction will occur over multiple phases, while maintaining continuous operation and revenue throughout the expansion.
WSP is providing the MEP systems for the expansion, bringing to the project the full benefit of our flexible approach and understanding of the user experience.
We analyzed the existing MEP utilities and systems to deliver a design that leverages available system capacity to optimize the project budget. The project is on track to meet the LEED® Platinum goal, and is proud to export reclaimed water to its neighbours, in support of its Net Zero Water objective.
We are designing the building to track energy and water performance, providing valuable feedback to the building operators, as well as a performance report card to convention planners. This allows them to compare with prior years and similar conventions, and will support behavioural changes that will improve the building operations and user experience.
Previously, we engaged on a two year, $56M renovation of the existing interior and building systems within the North, South and Esplanade buildings. This involved an upgrade of public spaces, lobbies, meeting rooms, ballrooms and public cloakrooms. It also included replacement of cooling towers and air handling units, a Building Management System (BMS) and fire alarm upgrades.
The high performance systems we designed were instrumental in the project’s achievement in receiving a LEED-EB Gold certification in October 2012.
In addition, we were engaged on an Energy Efficiency Upgrade project for the Center with Jones Lang LaSalle. This was modelled on the Empire State Building energy efficiency upgrade, which delivered 38% energy savings and a three-year payback.