Indianapolis Breaks Ground on Convention Center Expansion and New Hotel

City leaders, project representatives, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Visit Indy President and Chief Executive Officer Leonard Hoops joined to break ground on the sixth expansion of the Indiana Convention Center and construction of a new convention hotel.

While foundational work to redevelop the former Pan Am Plaza began last year, Tuesday’s event marks the official start of the construction phase of the project. With completion anticipated for the summer of 2026, the ICC expansion will house one of the top-10 convention center ballrooms by size in the U.S. and the additional event space needed to host two citywide conventions at one time. A skywalk over Capitol Avenue will connect the expansion to the existing 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 Hoops.

Along with the new convention space, a 40-story Signia by Hilton will be built on the site.

“We’re always looking to meet our ever-evolving guest needs with the right hotel in the right destination at the right time,” said Teddy Berlin, brand leader, Signia by Hilton. “Indianapolis is an ascending and dynamic city for sophisticated business, leisure and group travelers.”

The groundbreaking is the result of more than nine years of planning, including a three-year feasibility period. The last ICC expansion was completed in 2011, built in conjunction with the 1,005-room convention headquarters hotel, the JW Marriott.

“Over the past decades, the Indiana Convention Center has hosted some of the most iconic large events in Indiana and America, while generating billions of dollars in economic impact and supporting a hospitality and service sector with over 80,000 jobs,” said Hogsett. “This latest expansion and hotel addition will keep Indianapolis at the top of everyone’s list when it comes to the perfect host venue—and city.”