Big changes are coming to the Austin Convention Center, and we now have our first look at what some of them could look like.
On Tuesday, the Austin Convention Center Department (ACCD) released the first renderings of the new convention center, a $1.6 billion project known as Unconventional ATX.
The new, larger convention center – designed through a joint venture with LMN/Page – is expected to nearly double the rentable square footage of the existing facility, growing from 365,000 square feet of rentable space to 620,000.
Unconventional ATX will be funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax and Convention Center revenues.
West view of new convention center, from Second and Trinity streets.Rendering courtesy of the Austin Convention Center Department and LMN/Page via KVUE
How will the new Austin Convention Center be different?
The ACCD says the new center will prioritize accessibility, flexibility and sustainability.
It will feature open-air terraces, public outdoor plazas and "indoor-outdoor connections," and its architecture will strive to maximize natural light. The design also aims to enhance the convention center's connectivity with surrounding districts, like the Waterloo Greenway and Palm District.
The new facility is also expected to be the "world's first zero-carbon-certified convention center" and will showcase art installations, interactive exhibits and "artist-driven spaces."
Unconventional ATX also aims to prioritize public access and allowing people to get to the convention center in different ways, by reopening Third Street for "multimodal traffic" and transforming Second Street into a "pedestrian-friendly corridor."
Outdoor event space in front of the ballroom and lobby of the center.Rendering courtesy of Austin Convention Center Department and LMN/Page via KVUE
How long will it take to complete?
The existing Austin Convention Center will close in April, with demolition and construction set to begin shortly after.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2028, with the new center set to reopen for the 2029 spring festival season.
What does the redesign mean for tourism in Austin?
Back in December, the Austin City Council approved a Tourism Public Improvement District, which is expected to bring in new revenue while the convention center undergoes its expansion project.
The district will work as a tool to offset costs while keeping businesses and hotels afloat during the years-long construction of the convention center.
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Read the full story, watch the video, and see more photos at KVUE.com.
