Houston is moving forward with a $1 billion expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center, a project expected to bring $20 billion in economic activity over the next decade. The plan includes adding 700,000 square feet of space, redesigning the building’s facade with timber and rooftop greenery, and creating a promenade to reconnect downtown’s east side.
The expansion will also feature a 100,000-square-foot outdoor plaza designed to anchor an entertainment district near the Toyota Center and Daikin Park. The first phase is scheduled for completion by mid-2028, aligning with Houston’s hosting of the Republican National Convention.
A study by Hunden Partners forecasts that the redevelopment will increase citywide meetings and conventions by 62 percent and generate an additional 337,000 hotel room nights annually in Houston’s central business district. This could boost downtown hotel occupancy rates by nearly 5 percent if a third convention hotel is added as recommended in the report.
Houston First, which manages conventions and tourism for the city, selected Hines as development manager, Populous as architect, and Gilbane-Flintco as construction lead. Funding comes from state legislation passed in 2023 that redirects future hotel-occupancy tax revenue toward the project—a model also used in Dallas and Fort Worth—without raising local taxes.
Mayor John Whitmire described the expansion as “a once-in-a-generation play to reinforce Houston’s standing as a ‘top-tier convention city’ and kickstart fresh investment in restaurants, retail and entertainment in the East End.” He noted that while Dallas and Austin will close their convention centers during renovations, Houston’s facility will remain open throughout construction.
Industry observers point out that Houston faces competition for events at a time when global demand for conventions is projected to almost double by 2032. If projections are accurate, Houston could see $20.6 billion in new spending from its investment.
