Fort Worth, TX — The City of Fort Worth, together with construction
management joint venture AECOM Hunt-Byrne-EJ Smith marked a major
milestone in the expansion of the Fort Worth Convention Center with the
project’s first official topping-out ceremony on August 8th. This marks the
latest development in Phase I of the project.
Elected officials, business leaders, and construction teams were on hand
for the Topping Out as the highest structural steel beam was hoisted
into place with the traditional fir tree riding on it. Speakers at the
ceremony included Public Events Director Mike Crum, Visit Fort Worth
Chairman Brian Newby, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, and City
Councilmember Elizabeth Beck.
“Today is an exciting milestone as we continue to build on the success
of our local tourism economy, said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “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 expanded Convention Center will bring increased capacity to host
conferences from across the nation, bolstering our already impressive
convention and tourism industry. One of the benefits of this project is
it will bring an enhanced focus on pedestrian access, walkability, and
overall connectedness to all of downtown with the realignment of
Commerce Street.”
Tourism is a $3.3 billion industry for Fort Worth and one of its largest
employers, with more than 30,000 jobs. The convention center expansion is
part of the city’s larger economic development strategy to attract
meetings across the state and nation.
“Expanding our convention center means expanding opportunity for local
business and creating jobs,” said Bob Jameson, president & CEO of Visit
Fort Worth. “The word is out about Fort Worth, and this center will
enable us to keep up with the growing demand for meetings in our city.”
The expansion project will take place in two phases, and the facility is
remaining operational during both. Totaling 76,794 square feet, the $95
million Phase I includes the construction of a new grand Southeast
entrance, state-of-the-art food & beverage facilities, demolition of the
1980s annex to double loading docks and realignment of Commerce Street
to create a site pad for a future convention hotel.
The project emphasizes pedestrian access and improving the area’s
walkability and connection to the surrounding neighborhood, which
includes the Water Gardens, the new Texas A&M Fort Worth campus,
surrounding hotels and the Deco 969 residential tower.
“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,” said Monte Thurmond, Executive Vice President/COO of South
Region, AECOM Hunt. “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 City of Fort Worth.”
Phase I of the expansion is set to complete in 2026. Phase II, estimated
at $606 million, is in the planning and design stage, with construction
anticipated to begin in 2026 and run through early 2030. Information on
the project, including Phase I renderings, can be found at
fortworthtexas Convention-
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About the Fort Worth Convention Center
Since 1968, the Fort Worth Convention Center & Arena has hosted
thousands of major national and international events, including sports,
concerts, political rallies, conventions, and trade shows. Owned and
operated by the City of Fort Worth, the Convention Center was
significantly expanded in 2003. With a total meeting space of almost
400,000 square feet, it is the premier event space in downtown Fort
Worth. Staff, floor plans, virtual tour, and calendar of events are at
https://www.fortworth.com/
Project Manager, Architects, and Joint Venture CMAR
Broaddus & Associates, Inc. is serving as project manager in partnership
with Elements of Architecture, Inc. Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback &
Associates, Inc. (TVS), [1] a global architectural design firm teaming
with local firm Bennett Partners [2], are delivering design and
construction administration services. AECOM Hunt [3], Byrne Construction
Services [4] and E.J. Smith Construction [5] created a joint venture and
are serving as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the first phase
of the center’s expansion.
