The Austin Convention Center redevelopment isn’t just a project. It’s a bold leap into the future for one of the world’s greatest cities. It will be a vital downtown amenity, fueling economic growth, sparking community pride, and solidifying Austin as a premier hub for culture, business, and unforgettable experiences.
Austin is the No. 11 largest city in the U.S., yet the Convention Center ranks No. 61 in size. We’ve had to turn away major events simply because we don’t have enough space. That changes with this redevelopment. Once complete, we’ll climb to the No. 35 largest in the country, making Austin a competitive hub for large-scale conferences and multiple simultaneous events.
Redeveloping the Convention Center means reimagining downtown Austin. By moving the main exhibit hall underground, we’re reconnecting the city grid, improving pedestrian access, and transforming the southeast part of downtown into a dynamic, community-centered space.
Imagine a walkable, welcoming hub where visitors and locals alike can explore new street-level retail opportunities, experience Austin’s signature energy, and interact in a space designed to bring people together. This is where business meets culture, and where Austin’s unique personality shines through.
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Every detail of the new Convention Center is designed with sustainability in mind, from salvaged materials to low-carbon concrete and steel. The project is setting a new standard for sustainability, striving to be the first Zero Carbon Certified Convention Center in the world. The facility will run on 100% renewable energy, with a vision to achieve ILFI Zero Carbon certification and align with the Austin Climate Equity Plan.
And because art is woven into Austin’s DNA, we’re making an unprecedented $17.7 million investment in public art, a massive boost to the city’s existing portfolio of $22 million. For the first time, artists were involved from day one, ensuring that the redevelopment stays true to Austin’s creative spirit.
This vision has been nearly a decade in the making. Years of community engagement, in-depth studies, and a dedicated taskforce led to a plan that the Austin City Council approved in 2019. Design and construction contracts were officially in place in 2023, and in 2024, we started designing a space that reflects Austin’s future while honoring its roots. In April 2025, we’ll close and start decommissioning, demolition, and construction. The new facility is expected to reopen in late 2028 in time for the 2029 Spring Festival season.
This isn’t just a convention center. It’s a new heartbeat for Austin. Welcome to UnconventionalATX.
Reimagining the Austin Convention Center of the future.