City of Fort Worth Names North Texas’ AECOM Hunt, Byrne, EJ Smith Construction Firms for Fort Worth Convention Center Ex
November 29,2022
Reposted from the City of Fort Worth.
The City of Fort Worth today announced it has selected three leading North Texas construction firms to lead the Fort Worth Convention Center’s expansion. The firms, each based in and with deep ties to the North Texas region, were chosen based on their extensive past experience. Under the contract, the firms will manage the full scope of the first phase of the project’s construction for up to $30 million.
“The AECOM Hunt/Byrne/EJ Smith team combines a national builder with 35 years of extensive convention center expansion expertise with reputable local builders who have past experience with our center and deep roots in Fort Worth,” said Mike Crum, Director of Public Events for the City of Fort Worth.
AECOM Hunt, Byrne and EJ Smith have extensive roots and long history within the Fort Worth community, experience that was a cornerstone to their selection for the convention center project. Collectively, they have successfully completed hundreds of major projects throughout the region and state. The companies have been the proud recipients of numerous regional and national awards for quality and safety in construction, as well as numerous other industry awards.
"Our company is proud to call North Texas home, and even more proud to contribute to Fort Worth’s thriving community and economic development," said AECOM Hunt’s Monte Thurmond, EVP and South Region Manager. "This project brings excitement throughout the entire city and we’re honored to work with the city and help bring it to life."
Cori Smith, AECOM Hunt Vice President, bringing an extensive portfolio of expertise in convention centers, stated, “Convention centers are a force for regional economic growth and opportunity, fueling jobs, drawing visitors and building opportunity. Having proudly worked on numerous projects across the country, our team brings innovation and expertise – and we look forward to showcasing the best of what’s possible in Fort Worth.”
“This project will bring incredible visibility to our city, and as a local Fort Worth company, being on this team is a point of great pride,” said Ben Robertson, Vice President at Byrne Construction Services. “We look forward to every step ahead in bringing new life to our convention center, and paving the way for all the leading events to come.”
Eugene Walker, President and CEO of EJ Smith Construction, stated, “Our team couldn’t be prouder to have the opportunity to support the City of Fort Worth, and to be a part of building a part of its future. Working with our partners, we look forward to creating jobs, getting to work and delivering an incredible convention center for our region.”
The expansion project will take place in two phases and the facility will remain operational during both. The first phase includes the construction of new state-of-the-art food & beverage facilities, demolition of the annex, realignment of Commerce Street to create a site pad for a future convention hotel, and increasing the center’s loading docks. This phase is expected to begin construction in mid-2023 and be completed in 2026.
Location Mentioned: Fort Worth Convention Center