February 20, 2024
Savannah Convention Center Expansion Delays Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Savannah Convention Center expansion project?
Once complete, the Savannah Convention Center expansion project will add an additional 100,000 square foot exhibit hall, a 40,000 square foot ballroom, 15 meeting rooms and 900+ parking spaces.
The purpose of the project is to increase space to meet demand and attract some of the world’s largest and most respected businesses and organizations. Upon completion, the goal is to create an exceptional experience for visitors while supporting the hotels and restaurants that have invested in Savannah.
I have a convention scheduled for the second half of 2024 – what should I do? Is the existing facility still open?
Keep in mind that these delays only impact the Savannah Convention Center expansion project – the primary facility remains open and continues to be available for events.
Any customers with events that will be impacted have already been notified. If customers have any questions, please contact Angela Daniels at [email protected] or Kelvin Moore at [email protected].
What caused the delay?
A variety of construction challenges have created the delay. We are working closely with Clark, the construction manager and lead contractor on the project, to determine a new timeline.
How long will the delay be? When do you expect it to open?
We hope Clark can advise us soon when the project will be finished. Our team is extremely disappointed about the delay and has not yet received an exact project completion date from Clark that we are comfortable with. Once we have a new projected opening date from Clarke, we will share
that information proactively with the community.
With all the construction issues with this project, are you concerned about quality?
We are fully committed to delivering the exceptional quality our customers deserve. The Savannah Convention Center expansion will be delivered in line with those standards, and we are doing everything in our power to ensure this. Our main concern at this moment is the short- term construction delay, but we are focused on our long-term goal of creating an exceptional experience for our visitors.
Who is involved in the project, and what are their roles?
Clark is the general contractor and construction manager for the project. The state-chartered Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority (SGCCA) and its state partner, the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC), manage the investment made by the state in the
Savannah Convention Center. SGCCA is publicly represented by Savannah Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (Visit Savannah).
Are all subcontractors being paid?
Yes. GSFIC has consistently paid all invoices and will continue to do so throughout the project. Retaining top subcontractors is a vital part of completing the project at the quality we need as efficiently as possible.
How often do you communicate with Clark regarding project status?
We are in touch with Clark daily regarding the latest project updates. In addition to Clark, we also have multiple people from our team on the jobsite daily to inform us on the real-time project status.
How much money is the Savannah Convention Center losing as a result of these cancellations?
The impact may be significant, but we cannot share a number now due to the various ways we are working with our clients to resolve their challenges. But over time, we know the expanded convention center to provide tremendous value for the greater Savannah economy.
Will the state have to contribute more money to the project?
GSFIC will meet its contractual obligations.
Are you in litigation with Clark?
We are continuing to work with Clark to resolve these construction challenges and are not in litigation.
Should I choose Savannah for my 2025 event?
Absolutely!
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Media Contact
Brian Brodrick
Jackson Spalding (for GSFIC) 404-983-4384
[email protected]