This new development brought an expansion for one of Georgia’s most notable exhibition and conference centers located in Athens. The facility’s existing performance hall, ballrooms, and exhibit spaces would be expanded and inter-connected to a large featured atrium space, which could also be used for various types of events. A new pedestrian bridge would link these components above to the existing Foundry building. To achieve a design direction for this major addition, GVSA led multiple community outreach sessions with the Athens downtown stakeholders. Their input was embraced, assessed, and factored into the building program. A process that became known as the key foundation in the project successful design.