OPN Architects and tvsdesign Celebrate Completion of Iowa Convention Center

DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- OPN Architects and tvsdesign, along with the Polk County Board of Supervisors and Global Spectrum recently celebrated completion of a $42,750,000 renovation to the existing Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa. The updated, newly named Veteran's Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center includes both renovations and new construction. With a museum-quality exhibit, a 28,730 sf ballroom (the largest in the state), 34,000 sf of new meeting space and interactive technology, the renovation allows Des Moines to compete regionally for convention and conference business. Part of the Iowa Events Center complex that includes Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall, the new convention center opens this week.

The original Veterans Memorial Auditorium was dedicated in 1954 to honor the World War II veterans of Polk County, Iowa. The renovation continues that tradition with museum quality exhibits in the refreshed Memorial Hall honoring Iowans who served their country in times of war and peace. The original 7,200 seat arena was transformed into twenty seven flexible meeting rooms, able to be resized to fit a wide variety of occupants. Artwork by Des Moines Register's Pulitzer Prize winning artist, Ding Darling, highlights the building's east lobby. In the west lobby, seven new glass panels display events from the original building's past including high school graduations, sporting events and a historic visit from Elvis Presley. The concourse linking the two lobbies features state-of-the-art projection capabilities on a series of 30 feet tall by 16 feet wide, full height movable wall panels – a first of its kind installation for video display.

"We wanted to retain the unique history of the building's role as a Veteran's Memorial while creating a new dynamic facility providing maximum flexibility for a variety of events and functions." said Mike Ezell, design principal at tvsdesign.

About OPN Architects, Inc.

OPN was established in 1979 and has grown into a holistic architectural, interior design and landscape architecture firm with offices in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa. OPN employs 70+ design professionals, all of whom bring unique talents and perspectives to their work. A truly collaborative design studio seeking diversity in both our people and our projects, OPN Architects welcomes variety for its capacity to inform our work and bring innovation to our clients.

About tvsdesign:

tvsdesign is a global design firm whose award-winning solutions reflect more than 40 years of experience in planning, architecture and interior design. With offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dubai and Shanghai, the firm's passions for design excellence, sustainability and collaboration produce client-driven results. With projects around the globe, tvsdesign is recognized for its work including convention and public assembly, cultural arts, retail, office, education, government, hospitality, workplace, showroom and mixed-use projects. The sustainable design experience of the tvsdesign studios encompasses 23 LEED Certified and 16 LEED registered projects. tvsdesign is the recipient of the prestigious American Institute of Architecture National Firm Award and three National Honor awards for its convention center designs. www.tvsdesign.com

SOURCE tvsdesign

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