AUSTIN, Texas — Big changes are coming to the Austin Convention Center, and we now have our first look at what some of them could look like.
On Tuesday, the Austin Convention Center Department (ACCD) released the first renderings of the new convention center, a $1.6 billion project known as Unconventional ATX.
The new, larger convention center – designed through a joint venture with LMN/Page – is expected to nearly double the rentable square footage of the existing facility, growing from 365,000 square feet of rentable space to 620,000.
Unconventional ATX will be funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax and Convention Center revenues.
How will the new Austin Convention Center be different?
The ACCD says the new center will prioritize accessibility, flexibility and sustainability.
It will feature open-air terraces, public outdoor plazas and “indoor-outdoor connections,” and its architecture will strive to maximize natural light. The design also aims to enhance the convention center’s connectivity with surrounding districts, like the Waterloo Greenway and Palm District.
The new facility is also expected to be the “world’s first zero-carbon-certified convention center” and will showcase art installations, interactive exhibits and “artist-driven spaces.”
Unconventional ATX also aims to prioritize public access and allowing people to get to the convention center in different ways, by reopening Third Street for “multimodal traffic” and transforming Second Street into a “pedestrian-friendly corridor.”
PHOTOS: Austin Convention Center renderings
How long will it take to complete?
The existing Austin Convention Center will close in April, with demolition and construction set to begin shortly after.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2028, with the new center set to reopen for the 2029 spring festival season.
What does the redesign mean for tourism in Austin?
Back in December, the Austin City Council approved a Tourism Public Improvement District, which is expected to bring in new revenue while the convention center undergoes its expansion project.
The district will work as a tool to offset costs while keeping businesses and hotels afloat during the years-long construction of the convention center.
Hotels will be allowed to implement a 2% tax on overall stays. That extra cash will then be collected quarterly and directed to a board that will be created to manage the fund.
As businesses and hotels brace for the changes, the city’s tourist bureau is optimistic about the future. Tom Noonan, the president and CEO of Visit Austin, shared a statement with KVUE on Tuesday.
“Visit Austin is thrilled the renderings of Austin’s reimagined Convention Center have been unveiled. This transformative design reflects our city’s vibrant culture and innovative spirit while providing the world-class facilities needed to attract premier events to our dynamic destination,” Noonan said. “The new Austin Convention Center will serve as an economic catalyst for downtown Austin and beyond, creating meaningful connections between visitors and our community. This project represents a pivotal investment in Austin’s future as a top-tier convention and tourism destination, and we look forward to welcoming the world to experience everything our incredible city has to offer.”
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