Houston Secures Funding for Major Convention Center Expansion

The $1.38 billion project aims to transform the city's downtown convention district.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the sweeping architecture and grand scale of a modern convention center expansion, with towering forms and sleek, streamlined design elements.An ambitious expansion project aims to transform Houston's convention district into a world-class events destination.NYC Today

The City of Houston and Houston First Corporation have announced $1.38 billion in bond financing to fund the first phase of a larger Convention District Transformation Project. The initial phase includes a new 700,000-square-foot addition to the George R. Brown Convention Center, along with a 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza linking the campus to the nearby Toyota Center, creating a more walkable, event-driven district downtown.

Why it matters

The expansion is designed to elevate Houston's position as a top-tier convention destination, featuring new exhibition halls, flexible indoor-outdoor spaces, the largest ballroom in Texas, and ground-level retail and dining. The project is funded through hotel occupancy tax revenue growth, positioning the financing model as a blueprint for large-scale convention development projects.

The details

The first phase of the Convention District Transformation Project includes a new 700,000-square-foot GRB South building connected to the existing George R. Brown Convention Center, along with a 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza linking the campus to the nearby Toyota Center. The goal is to create a more walkable, event-driven district downtown. The expansion will feature two exhibition halls, flexible indoor-outdoor and atrium spaces, the largest ballroom in Texas, and ground-level retail and dining.

  • The project is slated to open in May 2028.
  • The $1.38 billion in bond financing was announced recently.

The players

City of Houston

The local government entity that is providing the bond financing for the convention center expansion project.

Houston First Corporation

The organization that manages the George R. Brown Convention Center and is partnering with the City of Houston on the expansion project.

George R. Brown Convention Center

The existing convention center in downtown Houston that will be expanded as part of the project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The project is expected to break ground in the coming months and be completed by May 2028.

The takeaway

This major convention center expansion project in Houston is a significant investment in the city's tourism and events infrastructure, positioning it to better compete for large-scale conventions and events in the years ahead.