Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County
The project spans 47,000 square feet including interior and exterior renovations and the addition of a veranda and gathering area to the rear of the facility which fronts the water. Our team worked hand-in-hand with the design team and owner to deliver the project in phases, which allowed the Convention Center to continue hosting events including the USMC Military Balls for nearby Marine Corps bases. The scope of work included interior remediation, finish and renovation and exterior masonry repairs to areas impacted by previous flood damage. The repairs involved the restoration of interior finish materials for floors, walls, ceilings and repairs and upgrades to associated fire, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems. The exterior work included the repairs required to restore damaged exterior masonry veneers and membrane roofing repairs.
The Convention Center is a reimagined space finished in a natural palette of blues and greys with nautical themes inspired by the center’s waterfront location on the Trent River. Interior spaces are comprised of resilient materials and variable color lighting, modern updates to the conference rooms and the outdoor space features retractable awnings.
DETAILS: Barnhill renovated the 47,000 SF Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County in New Bern, NC, following significant damage caused by Hurricane Florence. Located along the Neuse River in historic downtown New Bern, the project included extensive interior and exterior renovations as well as the addition of a new riverfront veranda and gathering area.
The project restored the convention center while enhancing its event spaces, finishes and outdoor areas to create a refreshed venue that takes advantage of its waterfront setting.
SCOPE OF WORK: Barnhill’s scope included interior remediation, finish restoration and exterior improvements throughout the 47,000 SF convention center. Work included repairs associated with flood damage, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems, exterior improvements, roofing repairs and the restoration of interior finishes including floors, walls, ceilings and furnishings.
The project also included a new riverfront veranda and gathering area featuring resilient materials, variable-color lighting, modern outdoor furnishings and retractable awnings.
BARNHILL SOLUTION: The convention center needed to recover from extensive hurricane and flood damage while returning to service for Craven County and the New Bern community. Barnhill worked closely with the owner and design team to deliver the renovation in phases, allowing portions of the facility to continue hosting events during construction.
Because replacement materials had to coordinate with existing finishes throughout the building, the team carefully managed restoration and finish selections while simultaneously addressing damaged building systems and exterior components. The phased approach allowed Barnhill to restore the facility while minimizing disruption to convention center operations.
