As part of DOORS OPEN Pittsburgh, an annual two-day event that provides unprecedented access to buildings around the city, we are featuring 20 of the many buildings participating.
Today’s building is the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
A Brief History of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
In the early ’70s, there were calls for a convention center on the shores of the Monongahela. However, in 1971, the Commonwealth of PA decided not to approve a modern convention center at that site. Work ended up getting started on where the convention center is now. On December 10, 1974, the county submitted it to the state. Three years later, the convention center had a groundbreaking.
On February 7, 1981, the original structure opened. Almost 20 years later, a redesign of the structure came into works. Rafael Viñoly Architects, P.C. was chosen to design what is now the David L. Lawrence Convention Center today. There is now a 31,610 square-foot ballroom and 51 meeting rooms. There are also twin 250-seat lecture halls and teleconference and telecommunications capabilities.
In 2003, the building received LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The building also won the 2004 Supreme Award for structural engineering excellence from the Institution of Structural Engineers. The center has hosted events like the RV show, boat show, home and garden show and auto show.
For tickets to this outstanding event, you can visit Doors Open Pittsburgh here.
Buildings already featured here on Pittsburgh Beautiful:
Boggs Manion : The Inn on the Mexican War Streets
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Speakeasy at the Omni William Penn
