Convention Center Expansion as Revitilization Tool

San Diego's convention center expansion has helped to revitalize the area. Interest from Hyatt, Westin and Le Meridien will result in 3,600 additional rooms. The already-completed new $42-million San Diego Gaslamp Hilton is the first new hotel in the GasLamp quarter in a century. San Diego's efforts represent a trend -- roughly one quarter of North America's convention facilities are in the process of expanding. Anaheim is doubling its meeting and exhibit space; the Los Angeles Convention Center expansion has faced problems from a lack of nearby hotel rooms.