Dayton, Ohio — The Dayton Convention Center has officially reopened following a transformative renovation led by LMN Architects, marking a new era for one of Ohio’s key civic and event landmarks. Originally constructed in 1973 and expanded in the 1980s, the 297,000-square-foot facility has been reimagined to meet the needs of today’s dynamic events industry, combining architectural renewal with advanced technology and urban connectivity.
The revitalization includes 150,000 square feet of rentable event and meeting space spread across three floors. The design team focused on enhancing the building’s flexibility, accessibility, and atmosphere—ensuring it can seamlessly accommodate conventions, exhibitions, performances, and community events.
“The transformation of the Dayton Convention Center is a direct result of our shared vision and commitment to creating a dynamic, future-ready venue,” said Leonardo da Costa, Principal at LMN. “By working collaboratively with the client team, we reimagined every aspect of the facility—from the welcoming new entry and lobby that connect seamlessly with the city, to the flexible event spaces and state-of-the-art amenities that meet the evolving needs of today’s event industry.”
A centerpiece of the redesign is the new pedestrian-oriented entrance and lobby, which replaces the former auto-centric approach. The fresh entry sequence prioritizes accessibility, connectivity, and urban engagement, offering a defined focal point and terrace above the main entrance that provides outdoor event space overlooking downtown Dayton and the adjacent Levitt Pavilion. The design connects the building more directly with the city’s public realm, blending architecture with community life.
Inside, the convention center boasts a major new feature—the Flex Hall, a multipurpose ballroom created by converting part of the exhibit floor. This versatile space accommodates banquets, conferences, and exhibitions with enhanced acoustic treatments, floating ceiling clouds, and color-changing lighting to elevate the guest experience.
“Our goal was to make the Dayton Convention Center accessible and welcoming for everyone,” said John Fabelo, Partner at LWC Inc. “By upgrading all major systems and redesigning the entry and exterior, we created a people-focused, pedestrian-friendly environment. The new convention center now supports multiple modes of transportation and reflects the evolving needs of the Dayton region, serving as a vibrant, inclusive hub for the entire community.”
Throughout the facility, LMN introduced modern materials, advanced lighting systems, and refined wayfinding to enhance navigation and comfort. The lobby features bronze-colored polycarbonate mesh scrims and a warm palette of natural woods, greens, and blues, creating an inviting atmosphere that guides visitors intuitively through the building. Upgrades to digital signage, event displays, and infrastructure systems ensure that the convention center can handle contemporary technology demands and future event growth.
“After nearly three years of collaboration, we are proud to celebrate the grand reopening of the Dayton Convention Center with the Montgomery County Convention Facilities Authority, LWC, and our project partners,” said Brian Tennyson, Principal at LMN. “These transformative improvements reflect our shared vision for a modern, welcoming venue that elevates the guest experience and strengthens Dayton’s marketability as a premier destination for events.”
The project was commissioned by the Montgomery County Convention Facilities Authority (MCCFA) and executed in partnership with LWC Inc. as the prime architect and Messer Construction as general contractor. The design years spanned 2022–2023, with construction from 2022–2025, representing a substantial investment in Dayton’s downtown revitalization.
Supporting firms included Shell & Meyer (structural engineering), CMTA (mechanical/electrical/plumbing), Bayer Becker (landscape architecture), and HLB Lighting Design (lighting). The renovation not only modernizes infrastructure but also emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and urban integration—principles central to LMN’s approach to designing for civic vitality.
The reimagined convention center represents a balance of preservation and progress, maintaining the original structure’s integrity while infusing it with contemporary design language and amenities. The project underscores LMN’s experience in cultural and convention architecture, joining a portfolio that includes the Seattle Convention Center Summit Building, Greater Columbus Convention Center, and Vancouver Convention Centre West, among others.
By integrating architectural beauty, environmental awareness, and community functionality, the Dayton Convention Center has been reborn as a hub for business, culture, and connection—a place that honors its legacy while embracing the city’s future.
Originally reported by e-Architect.
