The phased project includes a four-month closure until January 2026
The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority, owner and operator of Cobb Galleria Centre, Georgia’s premier mid-size convention venue for tradeshows, meetings and special events, “broke bricks” today to celebrate the start of a transformational, $190 million renovation and expansion project. The expansion is scheduled to be completed in early 2027.
“The renovated, expanded convention center will be a best-in-class facility that will continue to attract meeting planners due to our flexible spaces, superb location, world-class service, and award-winning food and beverage operations,” said Jerry Nix, Chairman of the Authority.
The renovation and expansion will happen in phases. While the convention center will be closed for the last four months of 2025, it will reopen for business in January 2026 in the exhibit halls and ballroom.
“Cobb Galleria Centre will be open throughout 2026 and will continue to host trade shows, expos, meetings, conventions and social events in the exhibit halls and ballroom,” Beirne said.
The outside arrival area, new parking deck, and expanded meeting and event space will remain in progress until early 2027.
The project master plan scope includes:
- Demolition of Galleria Specialty Shops and 2nd floor meeting rooms;
- Expansion to include:
- An exciting new, two-story grand entryway
- A new, 7,200-square-foot junior ballroom
- 11 new meeting rooms and an executive boardroom, totaling 24,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting room space with enhanced graphics and technology
- A unique, 11,000-square-foot outdoor event courtyard and a separate garden, both allowing natural lighting to penetrate interior conference room spaces
- New, connected parking with covered, all-weather access into the expanded facility
- Overall addition of 13,000 square feet of indoor event space
- Extensive renovation and facelift of existing exhibit hall, concourse, rotunda and ballroom.
RENOVATED BALLROOM, EXHIBIT HALL, ROTUNDA COMING IN JANUARY 2026
In January 2026, the rotunda, ballroom, and common area spaces will boast a major facelift with a completely new, contemporary look. From new carpet, wall coverings, new wood finishes and modern chandeliers, guests will be impressed with the lighter, brighter event spaces. The rotunda will be transformed with new terrazzo flooring and a new, large sculptural chandelier that will dazzle from above. Additionally, the 144,000-square-foot exhibit halls will feature updated entrance vestibules, upgraded restrooms, new electrical floor boxes, and LED lighting throughout.
PROJECT TEAMS BRINGS NATIONAL REPUTATION
The Centre has assembled a team of Cobb County-based firms to manage the design and construction.
Rule Joy Trammell & Rubio (RJTR) serves as project architect, Holder Construction is the construction manager, and Impact Development Management serves as owner’s representative and project manager. These team members have extensive experience in complex design and construction projects across the Southeast and the U.S.
Bob Voyles, Vice Chairman of the Authority and long-time commercial developer in Atlanta and the Southeast, said he has worked with each of these firms in the past and believes that the Authority is very fortunate to have such an experienced project team. “All of these firms are based right here in Cobb County, in the Cumberland area. But their experience is nationwide on complex design and construction projects and on some of the most prestigious public assembly venue projects out there,” he said.
RJTR is a dynamic architectural and interior design practice recognized for excellence in architecture, interior design, and execution of a wide range of project types, including corporate office, hospitality, multifamily, and mixed-use. RJTR’s notable Atlanta projects include 1105 West Peachtree, Loews Atlanta, the Thompson Hotel – Buckhead, Tech Square 3, Cobb Chamber Headquarters at the Battery, and Krog Street Market.
Holder Construction is a leading national commercial construction company consistently ranking in the nation’s top 20 contractors. Headquartered in Cobb County since 1960, the company’s focus is on strong relationships and top-quality buildings which has resulted in over 90 percent repeat client business, a client list including major Fortune 500 companies, and experience spanning 38 states.
Tying it all together is Impact Development Management, a commercial real estate development management firm helping clients execute economical and functional projects. Known for delivering high-quality projects on time and on budget, their portfolio spans multiple markets to include Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Four Seasons Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Jaguars Stadium of the Future, The Bellyard Hotel and renovations at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee.
For more information, visit cobbgalleria.com/where-it-all-comes-together.
About Cobb Galleria Centre
The Cobb Galleria Centre is located in the beautifully landscaped 88-acre Galleria complex in prestigious northwest Atlanta. Cobb Galleria Centre is Atlanta’s premier convention facility with 320,000 square feet of event space, four exhibition halls, 20 meeting rooms, four executive boardrooms and a grand ballroom. Cobb Galleria Centre had more than 219,000 visitors to 201 events in 2024, resulting in an overall economic impact of $130 million. For more information, visit cobbgalleria.com and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/CobbGalleria, on Twitter at @CobbGalleria and on Instagram at instagram.com/cobbgalleria/.
