The expansion and renovation at the Infinite Energy Center in Gwinnett County moves forward with this week's approval of a construction contract for the project.
Gwinnett County commissioners voted Tuesday to grant the $73 million contract to Holder Construction Group LLC.
According to information released by the county, the project will add about 50,000 square feet of exhibit space to the facility, almost doubling the existing space, which will be renovated. The roof will be replaced and upgrades will be made to the performing arts center and the grand ballroom. There will also be a new entrance wing to provide more special event and meeting rooms and an outdoor security plaza in front of the arena.
Commission Chair Charlotte Nash pointed out that the improvements complement the new privately-funded Revel mixed-use development and hotel that will be built on the site. The new entertainment district is being developed separately on the 118-acre site by North American Properties.
"With more exhibit space we can attract more convention business to help support our local economy," Nash said in a press statement. "I’m excited for construction to get underway on this long-promised transformation of the Infinite Energy Center. Combined with the private development, Gwinnett’s downtown will be transformed into a major entertainment, shopping and dining venue."
Known as the Gwinnett Civic and Cultural Center when it opened in 1992, the Infinite Energy Center is at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. It was named one of the Top 10 Arena Power Players last year by Billboard and welcomed more than 1 million visitors in 2016.
Funding for the project will come from Gwinnett County's 2017 SPLOST.
