[3] The convention centre was designed by local architect Trevor P. Garwood-Jones[4] and was constructed in 1981[1] along with the connected Ellen Fairclough Building as part of a large urban renewal project that was occurring in the Hamilton downtown core at the time.

In 2013, Carmen's Group acquired the rights to operate the Hamilton Convention Centre, and the facility underwent over $1 million in renovations.

This floor also features a large outdoor public plaza and sculpture court known as Commonwealth Square, which is located above Summers Lane, and is shared with the Art Gallery of Hamilton and FirstOntario Concert Hall.

Connections with the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel and the Lloyd D. Jackson Square mall are on this level, being accessible via an enclosed pedestrian bridge.

[2] All floors above this level are considered part of the Ellen Fairclough Building, and are used to house various government offices.