GWCCA REOPENS BUILDING A
(ATLANTA - April 21, 2008) - After weeks of nonstop construction, the Georgia World Congress Center reopens Building A today. Beginning April 26, DECA International Career Development Conference will be the first major event to occupy this space since a tornado hit downtown Atlanta on March 14.
One week after the storm, events began moving in to Building C, and since then the GWCC has hosted the International Window Coverings Expo, National Propane Gas Association, Arbonne International and the FIRST Robotics Championship all in Building C. Continuing through April 27, the AJC International Auto Show kicked off their annual event this past weekend. Four of the five exhibit halls in Building B are currently open. FIRST Robotics utilized two of the exhibit halls in Building B, in addition to space in Building C, the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park. The AJC International Auto Show is currently using two halls in Building B and three halls in Building C. FIRST and the Auto Show marked the re-opening of the Building B exhibit halls.
During the reconstruction, many upgrades have been made throughout Buildings A and B. All of the concourse areas for the two buildings have new, modern ceiling tiles. These tiles are more energy efficient, create better lighting because of their reflectivity and provide better acoustics. Building A will have safety glass that is more energy efficient and is also safer in the case of inclement weather. New fabric wall panels in the concourses will provide better acoustics. The Lower A/B Connector will have new energy efficient lighting. Over 30 escalators will be refurbished or replaced for greater efficiency. The new roofs over Buildings A, B and C Concourses will meet new energy codes which will enhance energy efficiency. New overhead doors have been installed throughout the building.
The remainder of Building B will re-open on April 28.