City breaks ground on convention center expansion and new hotel

The 143,500-sqft center expansion + construction of a new 800-room hotel, as part of a strategic plan for downtown growth, is officially underway.

Rendering of aerial view of ICC expansion and new hotel

This expansion will bring the total number of hotel rooms connected via climate-controlled skywalks in Indianapolis to more than 5,500 — more than any other city in the country.

Rendering by RATIO Architects via Indiana Convention Center

It’s official. The construction phase of the Pan Am Plaza redevelopment project has begun.

Yesterday, Aug. 1, the City of Indianapolis and community leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of the sixth expansion of the Indiana Convention Center and the construction of a new headquarters hotel.

Mayor Joe Hogsett called this a “legacy extending project,” which has already yielded $9 billion in investments in our city.

This expansion project and construction of a new Signia by Hilton hotel downtown will help the city maintain the relationships with its largest tourism and economic development partners (like Gen Con, which is in town this week) and also bring in new opportunities.

Rendering of ICC expansion and hotel with view of pool deck

The ICC expansion project also includes a rooftop pool.

Rendering via Indiana Convention Center

“This expansion and new headquarter hotel not only enhance our city’s skyline, but help us keep our largest annual customers, allow us to more effectively host multiple major events simultaneously, draw new four-and five-star event business, and drive more Hilton-loyal groups to the city,” said Leonard Hoops, Visit Indy President and CEO.

We’ve told you all about this development, but in case you need a refresher — this project includes:

  • A 40-story, 800 room Signia by Hilton hotel tower, which will transform the southwest Indianapolis skyline + become the tallest hotel.
  • A 143,500-sqft convention center expansion, which will house one of the top 10 largest convention center ballrooms in the US + a skywalk over Capitol Avenue that will connect the expansion to the existing convention center.

This project is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2026.

More from INDYtoday
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting women in Indianapolis making history through their work happening right now.
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Indy’s many beautiful patios.
Feast your pies on this guide to local bakeries where you can grab the perfect pie for holidays, celebrations, special events — or just a gloomy Monday.
Like your Diet Coke jazzed up with creamers, syrups, and fruit purees? Here’s where you can find trendy dirty sodas around Indianapolis (without waiting in the line at Swig.)
Keep local love growing this spring with native plants that will support pollinators, save water, and make your yard or garden look beautiful.
Chase the rainbow at these St. Patrick’s Day events around the Circle City.
Did you know Indianapolis used to have its own gossip newspaper, ala Lady Whistledown from “Bridgerton?” Here’s a brief history of “The Locomotive.”
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
We stumbled upon records of a long-lost bookstore and publishing company with the name of W.K. Stewart that was owned by a relative of Kurt Vonnegut. Here’s everything we know — and what we’re still trying to find out.