Springfield Illinois’ Prairie Capital Convention Center Being Renovated

Just a few blocks from both the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield’s Prairie Capital Convention Center, in the center of the city’s historic downtown district, is undergoing its first major renovation since being built in 1978.

The almost-$16 million dollar project will be completed later this year.  21,000 square feet of meeting space on the lower level has already been updated with new lighting, wall coverings, carpet and furnishings. State-of-the-art Audio Visual services will be available. Work on the main level has begun, and will include expanding the lobby, upgrading loading docks, adding first-floor bathrooms, a food court and a new façade on the parking ramp.

The facility offers 40,000 square feet of column-free, direct access exhibit space with an additional 16 meeting rooms.

Lower-level renovations feature a new color-scheme and a definite “Prairie-Style” feel, reflecting one of the city’s architectural masterpieces, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana Thomas House.

General Manager Brian Oaks said the changes will make marketing Springfield to convention and sporting event planners easier.  “They can expect this facility to be competitive in both quality and pricing. Our renovation will reflect what groups have been telling us they’d like to see.”

Gina Gemberling, Director of Sales for the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau said her office is already receiving significant interest in the changes from meeting planners. “The Prairie Capital Convention Center will provide state-of-the-art meeting and exhibit space to planners. We are looking forward to showing it off.”

Within walking distance of the Prairie Capital Convention Center are the Hilton Springfield, the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center and the State House Inn, along with unique local dining, specialty shops and world-class sites and attractions.

Springfield is a historic Midwestern capital city and the home of America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln.  Over one million people visit Springfield annually.