As the result of studies evaluating their existing facilities, the City of Charlotte concluded that a new Convention Center was necessary in order to compete in the growing convention and trade show marketplace. The FWA Group and TVS visited eight exemplary convention centers across the country and developed the detailed functional requirements for the project creating a building program for design.

The design included long span, ninety-foot, trusses over the lower level exhibit hall space which is divisible into one, two, three or four separate halls. The Convention Center provides a complete separation of traffic by placing the loading docks below grade at the exhibit hall level and totally off-street. Special oversized displays are allowed access through giant doors that come directly onto the exhibit hall floor. The main public entrance and concourse is at a mid-level between the two main levels.

The circulation spaces are defined by a shallow vaulted roof, providing a centralizing effect without being overtly traditional. A glass-topped oculus floods the intersection of the two concourses with natural light, creating an inviting focal point.