Fort Worth Convention Center Expansion Reaches Topping Out Milestone
August 12,2024
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The City of Fort Worth, in collaboration with the construction management joint venture AECOM Hunt-Byrne-EJ Smith, celebrated a key milestone in the Fort Worth Convention Center expansion project with a topping out ceremony on Thursday. This event marks the completion of the highest structural steel beam installation in Phase I of the expansion.
The ceremony was attended by elected officials, business leaders, and construction teams. A traditional fir tree was placed on the highest beam during the event. Key speakers included Public Events Director Mike Crum, Visit Fort Worth Chairman Brian Newby, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, and City Councilmember Elizabeth Beck, who represents District 9.
Mayor Parker highlighted the significance of the expansion, noting its role in enhancing Fort Worth's tourism and economic development. The expanded Convention Center is expected to increase the city's capacity to host national conferences, enhance pedestrian access, and improve connectivity with downtown Fort Worth.
Tourism is a major economic driver for Fort Worth, contributing $3.3 billion and supporting over 30,000 jobs. The Convention Center expansion is part of a broader strategy to attract more meetings and events.
Phase I of the $95 million project will include a new grand southeast entrance, upgraded food and beverage facilities, demolition of the 1980s annex to expand loading docks, and the realignment of Commerce Street. The project aims to improve pedestrian access and connectivity with nearby landmarks such as the Water Gardens and the new Texas A&M Fort Worth campus.
Phase I is scheduled for completion in 2026. Phase II, with an estimated cost of $606 million, is in the planning stage and construction is anticipated to start in 2026, extending through early 2030.
The Fort Worth Convention Center & Arena, operational since 1968, has hosted numerous major events and was significantly expanded in 2003. It currently offers nearly 400,000 square feet of meeting space and remains a key venue in downtown Fort Worth.
Locations Mentioned: Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth Convention Center Expansion