Construction begins on Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center expansion
DALLAS - The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas is about to get a multibillion-dollar facelift.
As redevelopment projects go, this is one of the largest the city of Dallas has ever seen.
Back in 2022, Dallas voters approved a ballot measure enabling the city to acquire the funding for the project.
The price tag is $3.7 billion. It significantly increases the size of the convention center.
"The revitalization of this convention center is exactly what this corner of Downtown Dallas needs," said Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson.
Dallas breaks ground on KBH Convention Center expansion
The city of Dallas is holding a groundbreaking ceremony for the major expansion of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The people who have been envisioning the project for years say it will have a transformative effect on the southwest portion of Downtown Dallas.
Supporters say it will enhance tourism in the city and increase all the revenue it generates.
Backers talk about job creation and forging new connections between Downtown Dallas and South Dallas – what’s described as knitting the city together with new opportunities and shared prosperity.
The Dallas Convention Center, as it was originally known, opened in 1973 and was expanded in 1984. It was expanded again in 1994.
The construction which begins Wednesday will eventually involve demolishing the current structure and putting something new in its place. Plus, there will be additional buildings added to the site.
The convention center arena adjacent to the main building will undergo some renovations but will remain in place.
"It's to be able to function and generate revenue for the city of Dallas and for the small businesses and larger businesses that use the center," explained Rosa Fleming, the director of events and convention services. "And so it will be taken down in a phased approach with a portion of the building still functional and sellable."
Jennifer Scripps is the CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc. She says the new and improved convention center will be a game changer.
"There's something on the order of 3,500 to 4,000 additional hotel rooms that will be needed to meet the demand," she said. "And all of those visitors shop. They go to dinner. They want to be entertained."
Dallas City Council votes to tear down Kay Bailey Hutchison Center, build a new facility
Dallas City Council members approved a $4 billion plan to tear down the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center and build a new facility west of Lamar Street.
That doesn't take into account the 15,000 residents who already live downtown.
Former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison wants the city's crown jewel to cater to residents, too.
The plans also include more greenery outside the convention center and more walkable areas for a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
"It would give our economy a boost," Hutchison said. "Mostly, I want it for the families who do live here, where they feel they can go and gather, go to concerts, go to restaurants."
Dallas Wings set to move to Downtown Dallas after city council vote
Dallas City Council approved a 15-year, $19 million agreement to move the WNBA franchise's games from Arlington to Dallas Memorial Auditorium at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
The WNBA’s Dallas Wings signed an agreement to move there in 2026 from their current home in Arlington.
The work is scheduled to be completed by 2029. More than three dozen events are already booked starting at that point.