The three buildings of the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta have officially reopened after 42 days of construction after a tornado that severely damaged the facility March 14. While the 1.4 million-square-foot center continued to host events during the construction as space became available, it is now operational in all areas.

“Looking at the damage following March 14, we had no idea how long it might take before we could reopen,” said Dan Graveline, executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, in a statement. “And here we are, a short 42 days later, fully operational. It is truly amazing.”

In addition to repairing damage from the tornado, the GWCCA used the construction as an opportunity to update its facilities for improved energy efficiency, including:

• new ceiling tiles in buildings A and B, which provide reflectivity;
• safety glass in building A for energy efficiency and better protection against inclement weather;
• new energy-efficient lighting in the area connecting buildings A and B;
• more than 30 escalators refurbished or replaced for greater efficiency; and
• roofs that meet new energy codes for enhanced efficiency in all buildings.