Anchorage's premier convention center honors indigenous heritage while driving growth
At a glance
RIM Architects, now part of GHD, designed downtown Anchorage's Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, a 200,000-square-foot facility featuring flexible spaces that celebrate Alaska Native culture. The contemporary center includes a 50,000-square-foot exhibit hall, grand ballroom, and meeting rooms that serve both the local community and visitors.
The challenge
Anchorage needed a modern, large-scale convention center to compete for major events and drive tourism growth, but the facility had to do more than just provide space. The project required thoughtful integration into the downtown urban fabric while meaningfully acknowledging the area's Indigenous history and culture. The design team faced several key challenges: creating flexible spaces that could accommodate diverse event types from large conventions to local gatherings, ensuring optimal traffic flow for thousands of visitors, and incorporating cultural elements respectfully and authentically. Additionally, the design needed to maximize natural light despite Anchorage's unique daylight patterns while maintaining energy efficiency in the harsh climate.
Our response
Our team led the architectural design, collaborating with LMN Architects and design-builder Neeser Construction to create a landmark facility that balances functionality with cultural significance. The center features three main components: a 50,000-square-foot exhibition hall, 25,000-square-foot ballroom and 12,000 square feet of meeting rooms, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The contemporary design captures and utilizes Alaska's distinct natural light patterns through dramatic window placement and interior light-activated design elements derived from seasonal color palettes. We incorporated extensive circulation spaces and intuitive wayfinding to efficiently move large crowds. The center's name honors the Dena'ina Athabascan people who first settled the Upper Cook Inlet basin area 1,500 years ago, with design elements throughout the facility subtly reflecting Indigenous cultural motifs.
The impact
The Dena'ina Center has transformed downtown Anchorage's ability to host major conventions, trade shows, cultural events and community gatherings. The facility draws thousands of visitors annually, generating significant economic benefits for local businesses while providing a modern, flexible venue for community events. Beyond its economic impact, the center has become a source of pride for the community, particularly in how it celebrates the region's Indigenous heritage. Completed on schedule and within budget, the project earned industry recognition including the 2010 Design-Build Merit Award from the Design-Build Institute of America.