Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission Announces Construction Delays for Savannah Convention Center Expansion

Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission Announces Construction Delays for Savannah Convention Center Expansion 

Convention Center Still Offers More than 330,000 Square Feet of Space

SAVANNAH, Ga., Feb. 20, 2024 – The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC) today announced that the planned 361,000 square foot expansion of the Savannah Convention Center will be significantly delayed beyond the projected opening date of May 2024. The expansion project, funded by the state of Georgia, overseen by GSFIC and managed and led by general contractor Clark Construction, will help maintain and enhance Savannah’s position as a top-tier convention destination when complete.

Despite extensive efforts to complete the project safely and efficiently, the project has encountered unforeseen construction delays.

“Our goal is to get the expansion finished at the quality our community and customers expect as quickly as possible while protecting our partners and investors,” said Gerald Pilgrim, chief of staff for GSFIC. “We have worked tirelessly for years with Clark to accomplish this project and will continue to take any and all actions to get the convention center finished as efficiently as possible.

“As we work to finish the convention center, we will protect the financial interests of the state, hardworking Georgians, project subcontractors and all of our financial partners. We care about everyone involved in this project.”

Mark Smith chairs the Savannah Georgia Convention Center Authority, the organization that will operate the expanded space.

“This is a short-term construction delay, but we remain focused on our long-term vision to create an exceptional experience for everyone who visits Savannah,” said Smith. “We are sharing this information proactively to avoid confusion and are already in touch with those we know will be impacted by the delays so they can adjust or reschedule their events. Our existing facility is fully open and we are taking care of visitors to Savannah.”

The groundbreaking of the $276 million expansion project took place in March 2021 and will double the exhibit hall space to 200,000 square feet, add 40,000 square feet of ballroom space and 15 meeting rooms as well as a new 900-vehicle parking garage. Material completion was originally slated for the 3ʳᵈ quarter of 2023.

While the expansion is underway, the existing facilities of the convention center remain open and operational. Further updates will be provided as soon as a definitive timeline is established.

About Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC)
The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC) is responsible for the issuance and management of debt for the state of Georgia. Its mission is to shape Georgia's future by providing financial and construction management services with the highest level of customer service, integrity, fairness, and efficiency.

About Savannah Convention Center
A Georgia World Congress Center Authority-managed facility, the Savannah Convention Center features 330,000 square feet of meeting space for meetings, trade shows, and special events.With record-breaking attendance and facility revenue, the Savannah Convention Center drives economic growth and showcases the uniqueness of Savannah, Chatham County and the state of Georgia. In 2017, the Savannah Convention Center was the first convention center in Georgia to obtain LEED Gold certification.

                                                            ###

Media Contact
Brian Brodrick
Jackson Spalding (for GSFIC) 404-983-4384
[email protected]