The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority has released its plan to renovate the Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center. The project will be funded through a $221 million loan and is expected to take 3 years to complete.

The renovation will combine superficial improvements that update the appearance and design of the structure along with the addition and reconfiguration of meeting space. Accessibility issues will also be addressed, as will be updates to  communications and electrical provisions.

According to a Detroit News report, the Phase III renovation is the final segment of a $274 million overhaul that hasn't been done since 1989.

Perhaps the most significant change will be the rebuilding of Cobo Arena as a 40,000 square foot ball room with meeting, pre-function and back-of-house spaces.

A three-story glass atrium—the Center's "signature space"—will be constructed to link the exhibit hall with meeting space and provide a view of the Detroit River.

On the building's east side facade, which faces downtown Detroit, the standout element will be a "media mesh" that functions as a digital billboard.

The plan also calls for a reconfiguration of "most" of the meeting and breakout room space. Exterior walls will be replaced with glass to exploit the Center's riverside location.

Other enhancements include:

• new communication systems
• 20 percent more parking space
• loading dock enclosure
• another loading dock ramp to street level
• more electrical capabilities for exhibit spaces
• more service corridors

"We are making the changes to Cobo Center that our customers, stakeholders ad competitive research have told us are necessary to return Cobo to an industry-leading status that will assist in attracting meetings and conventions to Metro Detroit," said Larry Alexander, chairman of the DRCFA board of directors, in a statement.

Construction is planned to happen around existing commitments to avoid disruptions, and the major elements are expected to be completed in time for the January, 2014 North American International Auto Show. The entire project is scheduled for completion by December 2014.

Here's a video animation of the renovation: