AUSTIN, Texas — More changes are underway for the up-and-coming redeveloped Austin Convention Center.
The $1.6 billion expansion project was originally supposed to include a hotel or a high-rise, but that portion of the plan has since been called off.
Why the change?
One of the main reasons for this change had to do with overall expenses, as it would take roughly $20 million to create the underground infrastructure needed for the proposed high-rise. The city’s housing market also remains a point of concern.
A hotel would not be permitted to be built for another 10 years within city limits (until 2034) because of a provision connected to Hilton Austin.
The city plans to start the $1.2 billion project in spring 2025, but waiting a decade to build a new hotel would negatively impact its timeline. This could also cause adverse affects to Austin’s overall revenue.
What’s going to happen now?
The proposed hotel space would have taken up two of the six blocks set aside for the project. Now, the extra area gives way to new development options, though it’s unclear what these could be.
Once complete, the convention center is set to include exhibition areas, storefronts, a connection to a Project Connect light rail stop and more.
The convention center will officially close in April 2025 and construction commences. The work is expected to take roughly four years to complete, with a targeted completion of spring 2029.
Austinites will also be able to provide feedback on the project by attending focus groups and filling out surveys later this year.
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