(Rendering of the New Austin Convention Center: Southeast view from Cesar Chavez Street. – Photo provided by the Austin Convention Center Department and LMN/Page.)
submitted by Austin Convention Center Department
AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin Convention Center Department (ACCD) has released the first renderings of the new Austin Convention Center, marking a major milestone in the City’s downtown transformation. Designed by LMN/Page, a joint venture, this cutting-edge facility will seamlessly integrate innovative architecture, sustainability, and public art to create a world-class event space in the heart of Austin.
The new, larger Austin Convention 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. The $1.6 billion project, known as Unconventional ATX, will be funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax and Convention Center revenues.
“The redevelopment of the Convention Center will create a vital downtown amenity and urban connector,” said Austin MayorKirk 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.”
“The new Austin Convention Center is more than a venue—it’s a landmark that reflects our city’s bold and creative spirit,” said Trisha Tatro, Director of the Austin Convention Center Department. “With its dynamic design, enhanced community access, and commitment to sustainability, this facility will set a new benchmark for convention spaces while strengthening Austin’s reputation as a premier global destination.”
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE: ARCHITECTURAL AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
The Unconventional ATX design reimagines traditional event spaces, prioritizing accessibility, flexibility, and sustainability. Key architectural highlights include expansive outdoor features such as open-air terraces, public plazas, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. Striking architectural elements include a modern facade, sweeping roof structures, and transparent designs to maximize natural light.
The new Austin Convention Center will be the world’s first zero-carbon-certified convention center (International Living Futures Institute), bolstering Austin’s image as a leader in sustainable urban development and setting a new standard for the convention center industry.
The design ensures a dynamic experience for event attendees while enhancing connectivity with surrounding districts, including the Waterloo Greenway, Palm District, and Project Connect initiatives.
“The Austin Convention Center redevelopment reflects our core values of community, inclusivity, and local empowerment,” said Zohaib Quadri, Austin City Council Member representing District 9. “This isn’t just a building, it’s an asset to our community that will help meet our city’s mobility goals and promote economic opportunity for local vendors. This investment helps build a future where every Austinite thrives.”
A COMMUNITY-FOCUSED DESTINATION
More than just a venue, the new convention center will be a cultural hub, showcasing dynamic installations, interactive exhibits, and artist-driven spaces that celebrate Austin’s diverse creative community. With a $17.7 million investment in public art, the largest in Austin’s history, Austin’s reputation is solidified as a global arts and culture destination. Unconventional ATX will also prioritize public access, and multimodal transit, by reopening Third Street for multimodal traffic and transforming Second Street into a pedestrian-friendly corridor.
WORLD-CLASS PARTNERS IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
The Unconventional ATX project design is led by a joint venture of LMN Architects and Page Southerland Page, known globally for recognized civic and convention spaces.
Construction management is being overseen by the JE Dunn/Turner joint venture, each recognized as leaders in large-scale construction projects.
LOOKING AHEAD
The current facility will close in April 2025, with demolition and construction beginning shortly thereafter. Once completed, the expanded center will allow Austin to compete on an international scale while creating a space that serves both visitors and locals alike.
“Visit Austin is thrilled the renderings of Austin’s reimagined Convention Center have been unveiled,” said Tom Noonan, President & CEO of Visit Austin. “This project represents a pivotal investment in Austin’s future as a top-tier convention and tourism destination, and we look forward to welcoming the world to experience everything our incredible city has to offer.”
BY THE NUMBERS
- Total Rentable Space: 620,000 sq. ft. (550,000 interior + 70,000 outdoor)
- Current Space: 365,000 sq. ft.
- Project Cost: $1.6 billion (funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax and convention center revenue)
- Expected Completion: Late 2028, reopening for the 2029 Spring Festival season.
ABOUT THE AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER
The Austin Convention Center is a LEED® Gold-certified and GBAC STAR™-accredited facility operated by the Austin Convention Center Department (ACCD). The department manages the Austin Convention Center, Palmer Events Center, three parking garages, and the Warehouse and Marshalling Yard. As an enterprise department for the City of Austin, ACCD operates without property or sales tax funding, generating revenue through events and hotel occupancy taxes. Since opening in 1992, the center has hosted over 6,000 events and welcomed more than 10 million visitors.
