Dallas Approves $187M in Contracts for Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

A world-class convention center equates to more tourism, tax dollars, connectivity, and ultimately a better quality of life, city officials agreed when Dallas voters approved a measure to upgrade the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas in November 2022. 

To fund the $3 billion convention center redevelopment, Proposition A designated a 2 percent increase in hotel occupancy taxes paid by visitors who stay overnight in Dallas hotels, with no impact to local taxpayers. The project calls for more exhibit and meeting space, a pedestrian plaza, a renovated arena/theater, and other updates to the convention center district, as well as major upgrades to several buildings at Fair Park. 

The City Council awarded contracts totaling more than $187 million last week. The largest contract for $141.5 million went to Perkins&Will and Populous for architectural, engineering, and design services for the convention center expansion west of Lamar Street.  

The design firms have committed to more than 50% minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) participation, according to a city press release issued Sept. 11. Watch the Sept. 11 Dallas City Council meeting. 

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas

Also last week Metropolitan Infrastructure, PPLC, a Dallas-based MWBE firm, was awarded a $3.7 million contract for the renovation of Pioneer Plaza and Cemetery. 

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on Track to Turn Dirt in Fourth Quarter of 2024

The City’s Convention and Event Services is leading a team of architects, engineers, and other contractors to design a “Convention Center district” from Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station to Old City Park that will connect surrounding communities and position Dallas as a top-tier event and conference destination, officials said in the press release.  

“The City Council has made a transformational investment to realize the vision for a reimagined Convention Center district,” said Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “The local and global expertise of our project partners will be instrumental in creating a facility that not only meets current and future convention demands but connects the surrounding residential community and serves downtown workers, benefitting Dallas economic growth and social vibrancy for generations.” 

With more than 40 conventions booked in the facility scheduled to open in 2029, the new Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas expansion plans include 

• 800,000 square feet of exhibit hall space 
• 170,000 square feet of ballroom space, including a 100,000-square-foot largest ballroom 
• 100,000 square feet of meeting rooms  
• 2,000 parking spaces 

Deck Cap Agreement with TxDOT

But wait, there’s more. The Dallas City Council approved $42 million in City contributions and $31 million in federal funding for the construction of three “deck caps,” as well as the capping and foundation of the Lamar crossing near the convention center. 

Bazaldua: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Remodel is Good For Tourism, But What’s The Actual Benefit For South Dallas? 

“This to me is about connectivity, connecting the south side of downtown to the southern sector, to The Cedars, Farmer’s Market, and really that growth opportunity,” said Councilman Jesse Moreno. “We know that … it’s going to have a lot of concrete. We need some greenspace. We need some trees. We need some shady areas, we need some grass to combat that heat island. I’m excited about this additional park and connecting neighborhoods and everything it’s going to do for connectivity, economic development, and just bridging communities together.”