The Raleigh Convention Center narrowly escaped disaster after a fire broke out on the evening of December 1. The fire originated in an HVAC unit on the roof but was quickly put out by the Raleigh Fire Department.
Most of the damage from the fire was contained to the roof, which has been resealed. But sprinklers saturated areas inside the building as well. Once those areas dried out, work crews began tearing up carpets and cutting out pieces of drywall in several administrative offices. It does not appear that event spaces were affected by either fire or water.
At the time of the incident, no events were taking place in the convention center. Raleigh Convention Center staff were able to help planners reschedule, move or cancel their December events. Planners who were unable to host their event at the venue were given refunds on their deposits.
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Kerry Painter, executive director of the Raleigh Convention & Performing Arts, said in a statement that the staff is working at full speed to get the facility back online.
"We are still aiming to keep all or some of our January events," she said in a statement. "Many city inspectors came in this week to spend time with us and help us understand all the steps required to open. This was not an inspection visit, but rather a guideline of the needed steps for occupancy."
“We appreciate Chief Griffin and every one of the more than 60 personnel who responded. And every department in the City of Raleigh has played a vital role in the progress we’ve made toward getting events back in our venue,” Painter added. “The support and collaboration from our colleagues and community have been incredible. This challenge was just such a beautiful testament to all the wonderful people who make Raleigh what it is, and we’re so thankful.”
