AUSTIN (KXAN) — The long-anticipated redevelopment of Austin’s Convention Center is almost here, and Austinites got a sneak peek of what the new building will look like when the project is complete.
The Austin Convention Center Department (ACCD) released the first renderings of the new Austin Convention Center on Tuesday.
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Rendering of the New Austin Convention Center: Southeast view from Cesar Chavez Street. (Photo provided by the Austin Convention Center Department and LMN/Page) -
Rendering of the New Austin Convention Center: East view across Red River Street, 2nd Street and the Waterloo Greenway. (Photo provided by the Austin Convention Center Department and LMN/Page.) -
Rendering of the New Austin Convention Center: West view from 2nd Street and Trinity Street. (Photo provided by the Austin Convention Center Department and LMN/Page.) -
Rendering of the New Austin Convention Center: North façade looking across 3rd Street and the north event plaza. (Photo provided by the Austin Convention Center Department and LMN/Page.) -
Rendering of the New Austin Convention Center: Outdoor event space in front of the ballroom and lobby. (Photo provided by the Austin Convention Center Department and LMN/Page.)
The $1.6 billion project to redevelop and expand the Convention Center is set to begin following South By Southwest this year, and is expected to reopen in 2029. The project, which the city calls Unconventional ATX, will be funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax and Convention Center revenues, according to a release from the city of Austin.
The city of Austin said the center, designed by LMN/Page (a joint venture) is a “cutting-edge facility” that will “seamlessly integrate innovative architecture, sustainability, and public art to create a world-class event space in the heart of Austin.”
The new center will nearly double the rentable square footage of the existing facility, growing from 365,000 square feet to 620,000 square feet of rentable space, according to a release from the city.
“The redevelopment of the Convention Center will create a vital downtown amenity and urban connector,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “With a design that emphasizes street-level openness and accessibility, vibrant public plazas, and pedestrian-friendly pathways, this transformation will enhance connectivity and inclusivity, creating a more accessible and engaging downtown experience for residents and visitors.”
‘Architectural and Sustainable’ Design
According to the city, the new convention center will be the world’s first zero-carbon-certified convention center (International Living Futures Institute). The city’s release said that feat will help bolster Austin’s image as a leader in sustainable urban development and set a new standard for the convention center industry.
The design of the center “reimagines traditional event spaces,” the release said. It will prioritize accessibility, flexibility, and sustainability.
Key architectural highlights include expansive outdoor features such as open-air terraces, public plazas, and indoor-outdoor connections, per the city. Other architectural elements include a modern facade, sweeping roof structures, and transparent designs to maximize natural light.
The design also aims to enhance connectivity with surrounding districts, including the Waterloo Greenway, Palm District, and Project Connect initiatives, the release noted. It will also prioritize public access, and multimodal transit, by reopening Third Street for multimodal traffic and transforming Second Street into a pedestrian-friendly corridor.
The convention center will also showcase art installations, interactive exhibits, and artist-driven spaces that “celebrate Austin’s diverse creative community,” the release said.
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