Convention Center expansion allows Fort Worth to compete on new level

Convention Center expansion allows Fort Worth to compete on new level

Published on January 24, 2023

Fort Worth is considering embarking on an impressive expansion to its Convention Center that when completed will put Fort Worth on the map as having some of the nation's premier meeting space.

"Fort Worth's potential to compete for larger, more lucrative conference and meeting business will begin to be realized this year," said Mike Crum, Fort Worth's public events director. "With possible construction starting in August, we will execute the first steps of a visionary plan designed by leading industry professionals and vetted by community stakeholders."

The facility was last expanded two decades ago that more than doubled meeting room space and added a grand ballroom.

Why it matters:This planned expansion is designed to keep pace with downtown developments, including the nearby Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus, and demands of the ever-changing convention industry. Consultants have recommended these changes for 20 years.

Work could begin this summer and be completed in 2026. The City Council was updated Tuesday on the timeline and scope of the project.

The background:The City Council in 2021 approved using $52 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds on the project. The project includes a new state-of-the-art industrial kitchen at ballroom level and demolishing the annex to increase the number of loading docks to 19. This increase improves the convention center's operational needs. The docks will be hidden behind a video screen wall or decorative wall along Commerce Street.

What this does:Adding the loading docks and changing the configuration of the facility's east side gives the City an opportunity to realign Commerce Street. An Advisory Committee of community stakeholders and project team representatives recommend the Council approve doing so.

A realignment would allow for the development of a Convention Center District, featuring a dynamic urban design mix of new shops and restaurants, and other experiences.

Bottom line impact:These recommendations add $43 million to the project costs, bringing the total to $95 million. The Council will consider issuing revenue bonds to pay for this project phase in February.

Possible project plans include:

• Building a deck for unique outdoor meeting space over the docks.
• Redesigning the southeast entrance to the building with a large atrium.
• Create a site for a future convention hotel along Commerce Street.
• Trellis Commerce Street at the Convention Center to create a destination.

And what about the arena:Plans remain to remove the 1968 arena at the north end of the Convention Center and replace it with additional meeting and event space. An increase in the City's hotel occupancy tax is being considered as a funding source.

The goal: Have the Convention Center serve as a counterpoint to the Historic Tarrant County courthouse on the other end of Main Street.

The facilitywill remain operating through all the construction.

View:Council work session presentation on the proposed project.

Photo:A new atrium entrance at the southeast corner of the Fort Worth Convention Center, and loading dock and kitchen area along Commerce Street are planned as part of the expansion and renovation plans for the facility. Consultants have recommended Fort Worth expand the Convention Center to keep pace with the ever-changing convention industry.

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Tagged as:

• City Council
• Project Update