Fairplex in Pomona recently held a ground breaking ceremony for its new Fairplex Conference Center, a high-tech, 85,000-sq-ft venue suited for trade shows, corporate meetings and regional associations. The architect on the $30-million, year-long construction project is HOK and the contractor is Summit Builders Inc.

HOK, Summit Builders break ground on Pomona center

Expected to generate nearly 500 jobs during construction and nearly 300 full-time, sustainable jobs during annual day-to-day operations, the new center will have a strong economic impact for the area with additional sales and occupancy tax related benefits for the city, center officials say.

Incorporating the conversion of an existing 33,600-sq-ft exhibit building with the development of a new 50,000-sq-ft structure, the new conference center will enhance the existing Art Deco qualities of Fairplex grounds as well as the surrounding park-like setting. Adopting a code of sustainability, the new center will also be International Association of Conference Centers and LEED certified.