Texas Cities Invest $9 Billion in Convention Center Redesigns to Reconnect Urban Fabric

The five largest cities in Texas are set to allocate nearly $9 billion towards redesigning their convention centers into valuable community assets. Thanks to Senate Bill 1057, passed in 2023, cities can utilize hotel occupancy tax funds for these initiatives. Michael Lockwood from Populous describes this development as a 'perfect storm' driven by new legislation and the resurgence of in-person gatherings. By 2029, Dallas aims to expand the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center with a $3.7 billion investment. Houston plans a $2 billion upgrade to the George R Brown Convention Center, featuring a 700,000-square-foot addition by 2028. Austin's convention center will undergo a $1.6 billion renovation by 2028, while Fort Worth's $700 million project will replace a 1968 arena by 2030. San Antonio's Project Marvel has projected costs ranging from $1.3 to $4 billion.