Conference center may help boost Palmdale economy

The City of Palmdale , Calif., is working toward bringing a conference center to the Antelope Valley, a building that would function as an economic engine and an iconic structure for the region. At $36.6 million, the center will span more than 77,100 sf with a 20,000-sf, column-free exhibition hall, and will accommodate banquets of up to 1,000 people and events such as trade shows. Designed by Los Angeles-based Gene Fong Associates, the center will seek LEED certification, relying greatly on natural light to lower electrical use and costs.