On June 26, ground broke on the expansion of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas. Key features of the $3 million transformation project include significant expansion of convention space, integration of updated technology, expanded access to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, and the inclusion of sustainable and energy-efficient building practices. Local company Inspire Dallas will manage the project with its team of 27 subcontractors, 75% of which are local Dallas businesses.
Several key leaders were in attendance at the groundbreaking event, including Dallas Councilman Adam Bazaldua and Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison herself. “Just picture what we have to look forward to in the future,” says Bazaldua in a prepared statement. “Not just a thriving, vibrant new community … but also connecting communities. Picture a streetcar going right here from the central business district into South Dallas into Fair Park.”
A large part of the expansion project will be dedicated to creating a mixed-use district surrounding the convention center, with ample hotel options and an array of restaurant, retail, entertainment, residential, and office uses. Expanding transportation options is also a priority, connecting the convention center to nearby neighborhoods with improvements to parking, on-demand services, and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. “It would give our economy a boost,” says Hutchison. “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.”
The project is currently on-schedule to be completed in 2028 or 2029, with commitments from more than 40 conventions already made. These events are expected to generate an economic impact of nearly $1 billion starting in 2029. Additionally, nearly 100 more events are under consideration.
