Fort Smith Convention Center
CLIENT:
City of Fort Smith
LOCATION:
Fort Smith, Arkansas
SERVICES PROVIDED:
Master Planning, Feasibility Study, Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineering
This 152,800 square-foot project was intended to replace an existing outdated civic center by responding to the community's need for a completely renovated 1,375 seat theatre for the Fort Smith Symphony and for new entertainment, meeting, and exhibition space. The convention center was key part of a $62 million referendum passed by the City of Fort Smith as a direct result of a city wide strategic master plan prepared by Mr. Betsch.
The building was designed using historic building elements and materials taken from a series of famous projects in a pictorial history of the City of Fort Smith.
This project was completed by Kenneth M. Betsch, AIA, while a Managing Principal for Odell Associates, Inc., in association with Guest-Reddick Architects.
"I can, without any reservations, recommend Ken Betsch for planning and urban design projects. In addition, the quality and beauty of our new Convention Center and Auditorium complex is a testament to his skill as a design architect involving major capital projects"
Bill Harding, Former City Administrator City of Fort Smith
"I have been involved in other Arts Center projects and can say without hesitation that Ken Betsch is the best architect I have worked with. He has designed the best convention center and concert hall in the State."
John Jeter, Music Director
Fort Smith Symphony
