Photos by Ryan Moffatt and Scott Wosmansky
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Hy-Vee Hall Grand Opening Gallery

The two-level Hy-Vee Exhibit Hall held two open houses on December 16th and 18th, 2004, one for dignitaries and community leaders that pushed for the project to be built and one for the general public.  The soft opening (facility still under minor construction) was tailored to display how versatile the new exhibit hall is compared to the existing Polk County Convention Complex and Veterans Memorial Auditorium.  The project represents the future home for conventions, trade shows, and expositions for the Des Moines area and Central Iowa.

    Hy-Vee Hall includes the following features and specs:

  • 96,120 sq. ft. of expo space on the main floor that can be divided into two separate portions.

  • 191,898 sq. ft. of combined total square footage when combined with Vets Auditorium, 146,923 sq. ft. of total exhibit space.

  • 15,000 sq. ft. of "breakout room" meeting space in 8 different rooms, including a master banquet hall.

  • Pre-function lobby/standing room space of 16,400 sq. ft.

  • Total cost of the Iowa Events Center Complex including Hy-Vee Hall Construction, Wells Fargo Arena Construction, and renovation to Veterans Memorial Auditorium is $217 million dollars.

  • A renovated Veterans Memorial Auditorium that will still be operational, while holding the major kitchen and storage facilities for the entire Iowa Events Center Complex.

  • All glass wrap-around windows that allow patrons to view the Des Moines skyline, riverfront and State Capitol.

  • 12 overhead loading dock compartments.

  • A master exhibit hall that will seat 5,000 people for dinner.

  • 109,000 exterior bricks used for exterior cladding.

  • 1,800 tons of structural steel used in construction.

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Hy-Vee Hall South East Exterior- The glassy portion of the east side of Hy-Vee Hall provides a nice lookout over the Des Moines River and State Capitol.
December 2004
 
East Exterior- A view of the brick exterior of the east side of Hy-Vee Hall, just north of the glassy portion shown above.
December 2004
East Side Entrance- On the east side of Hy-Vee Hall is the primary entrance that leads to the main lobby area.
December 2004
 
South East Exterior With Wells Fargo Arena- The southeast corner entrance of Hy-Vee Hall with the Wells Fargo Arena shown on the right.
 December 2004
 
South East Exterior- Looking northwest at Hy-Vee Hall shows the gamut of materials used on the exterior.  The Iowa Hall of Pride main entrance will be located on this side of Hy-Vee Hall when completed.
December 2004
 
Skywalk Connector-  This glassy skywalk connects Hy-Vee Hall/Vets Auditorium with the Wells Fargo Arena.
December 2004
 
South Exterior- The south facing exterior of Hy-Vee Hall. 
December 2004
 
South Windows- A close up of the large window and sign on the south facing exterior of Hy-Vee Hall.  The large window provides dramatic views of the Des Moines skyline from the main exhibit floor, bringing in plenty of natural light to an otherwise enclosed setting.
 December 2004
 
Loading Docks- Twelve loading docks line the west side of Hy-Vee Hall and are tucked in between buildings to only be viewable from the main downtown skywalk system entrance.
December 2004
 
Wells Fargo Arena- The still under construction Wells Fargo Arena sits adjacent to Hy-Vee Hall.
 December 2004
 
Wells Fargo Arena- Another view of Wells Fargo Arena in proximity to Hy-Vee Hall, including the view of 3rd Street. 
December 2004
 
Skywalk Corridor- This corridor leads up to the main lobby of Hy-Vee Hall and the new Vets Auditorium entrance, connecting downtown with the Iowa Events Center via the skywalk system.
 December 2004
 
Vets Auditorium Entrance- The art deco south entrance to Vets Auditorium connects Hy-Vee Hall with the classic auditorium.
 December 2004
 
Lobby Reception- A photo of the main lobby of Hy-Vee Hall during the opening reception.
December 2004
 
Upper Level Corridor Lobby- This corridor connects the lobby with several offices and business service centers on the upper level of Hy-Vee Hall.
December 2004
 
Ticket Sales Counters- This attractive ticket sales counter greets those entering from the east side main entrance.
December 2004
 
Lower Level Lobby- The lower level lobby, stretching southwards and connecting the breakout rooms and banquet hall.
December 2004
 
Lower Lobby Furniture- A shot of some of the contemporary furniture found in the lower level lobby of Hy-Vee Hall.
December 2004
 
Exhibit Hall View- The expanse of the 96,120 sq. ft. main exhibit hall, with decorations dangling from the ceiling rafters.
December 2004
 
Exhibit Hall View- A photo of the public grand opening activities in the main exhibit hall.
December 2004
 
Exhibit Hall View- Looking towards the large south windows of the main exhibit hall during the community open house.  It is clearly noticeable that this space is much more flexible and well thought out than the old Vets Auditorium space.
December 2004
 

Rock Climbing Tower- This climbing wall was just one of the activities held during the Hy-Vee Hall community open house.
December 2004
 
Exhibit Hall View- A photo showing the flexibility of displays and wide open space of the main exhibit hall during the community open house.
December 2004
 
Expo Landscaping- A taste of future home and garden shows is given by this small landscaping display in the main exhibit hall.  Note the amount of natural light that protrudes what would be an otherwise dark(er) space.
December 2004
 
Exhibit Hall Reception-  Community leaders mingle in the main exhibit hall at the grand opening reception.
December 2004
 
Opening Reception Ice Sculpture- A decorative ice sculpture was carved for the grand opening that was held for dignitaries and community leaders.
December 2004
 
Skyline View- From the inside looking out of the huge window on the south side of the main exhibit hall. It's tough to see from this photo, but a beautiful view of the downtown skyline is viewable from this window.
 December 2004
 
 

Large Banquet Room- The large banquet hall/flex space is dressed for show during the grand opening.  The main kitchens and Iowa Events Center storage space lie behind the door at the back of the photo.
December 2004

 
 
Large Breakout Rooms- One of the large and flexible breakout conference rooms on the lower level of Hy-Vee Hall.
 December 2004

 

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