Construction underway on Omaha convention center expansion

Omaha is taking the first steps in attracting larger and more lucrative conventions and events to a growing city.

Voters overwhelmingly approved a measure back in November that gives the green light to a $200 million addition and renovation of the CHI Health Center Omaha’s convention center.

The expansion will be a new, cohesive piece to ongoing development happening in ever-growing riverfront area. Its sweeping glass elements and modern design will be split over two levels on the east side of the building, which will give guests picturesque views of the Missouri River.

Construction crews were already hard at work on the massive project by the second week of January. In total, it will take an estimated two and a half years to complete, with an opening projected for summer 2027.

The expansion is slated to add 90,000 square feet, which includes an additional 25 meeting rooms. In the past Omaha’s ability to compete for some big-bid events had been hindered by the facility’s size. Research into the economic impact shows that those new rooms could open the door to an additional $1.2 billion in meeting business.

These immediate changes will allow for a more competitive edge when it comes to attracting new events, new visitors to Omaha, and new dollars spent at local hotels, restaurants and businesses.

The updates also include renovations to the existing convention center space to ensure that everything is cohesive. The general obligation bond approved by voters will cover half the total cost, with the other half is being raised privately.