The City of Dallas today announced meaningful progress on Component 1 of the demolition and expansion of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) Master Plan, reinforcing the City’s commitment to delivering a modern, globally competitive convention center that drives economic growth, supports surrounding neighborhoods, and strengthens Dallas’ position as a premier destination for national and international events.
City staff and the project team have advanced significant planning, design, and early implementation work while maintaining a strong focus on cost control, operational continuity, and long-term value for Dallas residents. City staff and project leaders shared key updates during a City Council briefing earlier today.
“This is steady, disciplined progress on a project that matters deeply to Dallas,” said City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “Our teams have been focused on doing the work the right way, including refining the design, managing costs, and preparing the site. We will deliver a convention center that serves our residents, supports downtown, and positions Dallas to compete at the highest level.”
Component 1 of the Master Plan is the centerpiece of the City’s long-term strategy to modernize and expand its primary convention facility. This component includes the demolition of the existing convention center and construction of a significantly larger, more flexible, and technologically advanced facility designed to meet the demands of the evolving meetings and events market.
The expanded convention center will include increased exhibit, meeting, and ballroom space; integrate state-of-the-art event technology; and incorporate sustainable, energy-efficient building practices that align with the City of Dallas’ environmental and resilience goals.
Component 1 is being led by Inspire Dallas, the City’s program manager and owner’s representative, responsible for overseeing delivery of the convention center expansion on behalf of the City of Dallas. Inspire Dallas is a collaboration led by Matthews Southwest, a Dallas-based firm with a long track record of delivering transformative, large-scale projects that have shaped the city’s skyline and downtown core.
Rosa Fleming, Director of the City’s Convention and Event Services Department, emphasized the project’s broader impact and momentum.
“We are building a convention center that reflects where Dallas is headed,” Fleming said. “Component 1 strengthens our ability to attract major conventions and global events while creating a facility that connects better to downtown, supports local businesses, and delivers real economic benefits to our communities.”
Over the past several months, City staff and partners have completed extensive behind-the-scenes work to prepare the convention center for its next phase. This includes advancing 100 percent schematic designs, identifying cost efficiencies without reducing program scope, initiating pre-enabling and enabling work, and coordinating complex operational transitions to support ongoing events during construction.
Much of this work has taken place within and around the existing facility, laying the groundwork for demolition and future construction while minimizing disruption.
The expanded convention center is designed to serve as a powerful economic engine. By modernizing meeting and exhibit space, improving flexibility and functionality, and enhancing the overall visitor experience, Component 1 will strengthen Dallas’ ability to attract large-scale conventions, trade shows, and international events. These improvements are expected to increase visitor spending, hotel occupancy, and job creation across hospitality, tourism, construction, and small businesses throughout the city.
Component 1 also prioritizes improved connectivity between the convention center, downtown, and South and Southern Dallas. The project emphasizes walkability, transportation integration, and public spaces that better serve residents while welcoming visitors from around the world. Workforce development and local participation remain central to the project, creating pathways for Dallas residents and local firms to benefit directly from this historic investment.
As Dallas prepares to host major national and international events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, the convention center expansion will ultimately serve as a global front door to the city, reflecting Dallas’ identity as a welcoming and innovative destination.
With early-phase work well underway, the City will continue advancing Component 1 through the next stages of design, engagement, and construction. City leaders remain committed to transparency, collaboration, and delivering a convention center that supports Dallas’ long-term economic and community goals.
For more information about the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Master Plan, visit dallasccmasterplan.com.
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