FORT WORTH, Texas — Read this story and more North Texas business news from our partners at the Dallas Business Journal.
The firms overseeing the Fort Worth Convention Center's expansion and makeover have reached a major milestone in the project's first phase.
The highest structural steel beam was hoisted into place Aug. 8 as part of the convention center's $95 million first phase — what's known as "topping out" in the construction business. The first phase of construction includes a new southeast entrance, new food and beverage facilities, demolition of the annex to double loading docks and realignment of Commerce Street to create a site pad for a future convention hotel. All in all, phase one of the project will be 76,794 square feet and is expected to be completed by 2026.
Fort Worth voters in May approved a 2-percentage-point increase to the city’s hotel occupancy tax, the tax hotels collect when a guest stays in a room. That hike will boost the tax to 17% and will provide an estimated $9.5 million in additional funding to help the city pay the debt for the more than $700 million convention center project.
The project is a joint venture between multiple firms. Broaddus & Associates Inc. is the project manager in partnership with Elements of Architecture Inc. Global architecture firm Thompson Ventulett Stainback & Associates Inc., or TVS, teamed up with Fort Worth-based Bennett Partners for design and construction administration services. AECOM Hunt, Byrne Construction Services and E.J. Smith Construction fill the role of construction manager at risk for the first phase.
"Our team has dedicated countless hours of their time and talent to this project, and I couldn’t be prouder to thank them and celebrate their hard work," Monte Thurmond, AECOM executive vice president and chief operating officer for its south region, said in a statement. "It’s because of their collective skill that we stand here today. I know that looking ahead to the next steps in this project, we’re in great hands. Together, we will drive this remarkable project forward, bringing new life to this facility, the surrounding community, and the entire City of Fort Worth."
The second phase of the convention center's remodel is still in planning and design. The estimated $606 million phase will involve demolishing the saucer-shaped arena at the north end of the facility and building a new exhibit hall, among other additions.
The expansion and renovation of the Fort Worth Convention Center occur as other nearby cities complete and plan their own new convention centers. Arlington this year completed its $550 million convention center, alongside the 888-room Loews Hotel. Dallas is also in the middle of a $3 billion redevelopment of its convention center.
"Today is an exciting milestone as we continue to build on the success of our local tourism economy," Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said. "The Fort Worth Convention Center expansion is more than just a building project, it is a pivotal component of Fort Worth's vision for a vibrant, economically robust future."
The convention center sits near the iconic Water Gardens, the new Texas A&M Fort Worth campus and the new Deco 969 residential high-rise.
Tourism is a $3.3 billion industry and provides more than 30,000 jobs in Fort Worth, according to the city's tourism bureau, Visit Fort Worth.
