About Exhibition Center
A One-Of-A-Kind Hillside Design
Discover the unique features of the Fox Cities Exhibition Center (FCEC), making it stand out not just in Appleton but throughout Wisconsin. This top-tier event center showcases distinctive elements that redefine the concept of gathering spaces.
Building the Exhibition Center into a Hill
The most unique feature is the way the exhibition center, with its concrete floor and ability to be divided into three separate spaces, was built into the side of a hill at Jones Park. This posed a challenge as crews had to remove 76,000 cubic yards of dirt.
Despite the obstacles this removal presented, the architects at Zimmerman Architectural Studios Inc. in Milwaukee wanted to allow for a rooftop plaza, shown in the rendering below. Upon completion, nearly 9,000 cubic feet of concrete was used to construct the project. Designing a building into a hill posed a unique challenge for the construction crews at Miron Construction Co., Inc. They had to support the plaza deck with two massive 110,000-pound plate girders and drive over 1,000 feet of sheet piling into the ground. Despite the challenges, the specialized design exceeded expectations, providing a distinctive street-view from the building, as depicted in the rendering below.
Making the Event Venue Accessible to Jones Park
The FCEC building is accessible from the street and from Jones Park to allow for multiple uses and revenue potential. The park includes a concert space and green area, which creates a unique ambiance in the building when the windows are opened.
Maximizing Versatility with Three Spaces
The building design allows for multiple uses. The FCEC space has a poured concrete floor, as well as three dividers. It can be used as one big event space or as three separate spaces. To one side of the main event venue is a pre-function space, shown below. Designed with higher-end finishes, this is used for breakout sessions or vendor booths. There are also two conference rooms, at street-level, available for event space rental.
Showcasing Appleton & the Fox Cities
To reflect the rich history of the Fox Cities, the architect integrated themes of paper, forests, rivers, and the park into the exhibition center's design. These concepts are visible throughout the building, such as in the pre-function event space where the carpet subtly resembles logs, capturing the essence of paper and forests. A significant tribute to Appleton's history is the spire running vertically through the entire building.
This spire symbolizes the smokestack from the nation's first fully operational power plant, established in 1882. Standing at 82 feet tall, the height corresponds to the year of the power plant's opening. Enhanced with color-changing LED lights, the spire can be adapted for visiting organizations or to mark special events and holidays.
Lastly, 10 communities in the Fox Cities agreed to fund the Fox Cities Exhibition Center project via their hotel room tax. As a way of thanking the communities, pieces of art will be incorporated throughout the exhibition space to represent each community.
Frequently Asked Questions
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CONTACT US What makes the Fox Cities Exhibition Center unique in terms of its design?
Uniquely constructed into the side of a hill at Jones Park, allowing for a rooftop plaza. The design incorporated the removal of 76,000 cubic yards of dirt to create a versatile space with a concrete floor that can be divided into three separate areas.
How is the FCEC connected to its surroundings in Appleton?
The FCEC is centrally located in downtown Appleton, connected to the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley and adjacent to Jones Park. Its prime location ensures convenient access to local attractions, dining, and entertainment.