Published on
September 13, 2025
Palm Springs city officials have officially greenlit a $125 million project aimed at renovating and expanding the city’s Convention Center. The ambitious undertaking, announced earlier this week, is set to significantly enhance the region’s tourism and event capabilities, positioning the venue as one of the most dynamic and modern locations for large-scale gatherings in the desert.
With a vision to elevate the city’s status as a major hub for both commerce and culture, the planned renovation will introduce significant upgrades to the facility and its surrounding areas. The goal is to transform the Convention Center into a premier destination for events, catering to both business and entertainment needs. This large-scale redevelopment is expected to take place in multiple phases, ensuring the project progresses smoothly while maintaining the center’s operational integrity.
Objective and Vision for the Convention Center
The heart of the project lies in Palm Springs’ ambition to become the desert’s premier center for commerce, community, and culture by the year 2030. The original intent behind the Convention Center’s establishment and subsequent expansion in 2005 was to strengthen the region’s ability to host conventions and tourism-driven events. Now, the city seeks to modernize and diversify the center’s offerings in response to the evolving needs of the community and the visitors it attracts.
The renovation project aims to address several pressing needs, including the restoration of the facility’s existing structures and the enhancement of its amenities. With an eye on increasing sustainability, the upgrades will feature improved environmental considerations alongside the necessary repairs and expansions.
Project Phases and Planned Upgrades
The renovation project is divided into three distinct stages, ensuring that the Convention Center remains functional throughout the process while making substantial improvements.
1. Interior Renovations and Facility Upgrades
The first phase will focus on modernizing the interior of the Convention Center, addressing critical capital projects, and upgrading the infrastructure to meet the demands of today’s event organizers and attendees. These renovations will ensure that the facility offers state-of-the-art accommodations, from enhanced meeting rooms to upgraded audiovisual systems.
2. Expanding Outdoor and Multi-Purpose Meeting Spaces
In addition to internal renovations, plans are in place to expand and modernize the outdoor meeting spaces. This will involve creating more versatile event areas that can be used for a variety of purposes, including conferences, trade shows, and outdoor performances. The intention is to enhance the capacity and flexibility of these spaces, offering more options for both public and private events.
3. Upgrading the Surrounding Area
The final phase of the project will address the areas surrounding the Convention Center. Pedestrian paths, multimodal transportation routes, and street improvements will all be incorporated into the design to ensure seamless connections between the center and the neighboring areas. Strengthening these connections will make it easier for visitors to access the facility and navigate the surrounding neighborhood.
Architectural and Engineering Services
To carry out the renovation and expansion, the city has initiated a request for qualifications (RFQ) for architectural and engineering services. This marks the first step toward selecting the firms that will bring the vision for the Convention Center to life. In addition, an RFQ for urban design services will be issued later this month, offering further opportunities for industry professionals to contribute to the redevelopment.
The RFQs were released as part of a broader effort to ensure that a wide array of qualified firms have the opportunity to participate in the project. A pre-qualification conference was held earlier this week to begin the process of vetting potential candidates for both architectural and engineering services, as well as for the owner’s representative role. The goal is to ensure that the project is executed with the highest level of expertise, ensuring both its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Funding for the Renovation
To finance the significant investment required for this transformation, the city will explore a variety of funding options. These options will include the potential use of the Tourism Infrastructure District funds, along with the support of local measures such as Measure J and Measure A, which are designed to support the growth of the city’s infrastructure.
The Tourism Infrastructure District is expected to be a key source of funding, designed to direct tax revenue from tourism directly back into infrastructure improvements, including the Convention Center. This funding mechanism will allow the city to capitalize on the booming tourism industry to improve local facilities and infrastructure, benefiting residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Benefits for Palm Springs and Its Visitors
The planned renovations and upgrades are set to position Palm Springs as a key player in the global event market. With the Convention Center at the forefront of this transformation, Palm Springs will be able to attract larger events and conferences, which in turn will boost tourism and benefit local businesses.
The expansion will allow the center to host a wider range of events, from large-scale conventions to community-focused gatherings. The modernized facility will also provide the necessary infrastructure for a growing tourism economy, helping Palm Springs maintain its position as one of the most sought-after destinations in California.
Additionally, the project is expected to have lasting benefits for the surrounding community. The planned upgrades to pedestrian infrastructure and multimodal transportation will improve access to the Convention Center for both locals and tourists, fostering a stronger connection between the venue and the surrounding areas.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Palm Springs
With the announcement of this transformative $125 million project, Palm Springs is laying the groundwork for its future as a world-class destination for events, tourism, and culture. By the year 2030, the city hopes to be known not just for its iconic desert landscapes but as a thriving epicenter for commerce, creativity, and community. The renovation of the Convention Center is an important step in this journey, marking the city’s commitment to modernization and progress.
As the project moves forward, city officials remain committed to ensuring the Convention Center is a cornerstone of Palm Springs’ growth. The planned improvements will ensure that the center continues to serve the community for years to come, meeting the needs of a changing world while maintaining its historic charm and significance.
