Plans to 'reimagine' convention district include 700,000-square-foot expansion of GRB

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The plans to transform the convention district area in downtown Houston include a 700,000-square-foot expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB), according to Houston First Corporation.

On Thursday, Houston First and Mayor John Whitmire unveiled plans to give the area a makeover. The company said the project will reimagine it for years to come.

The plans will create a "vibrant, walkable convention and entertainment district unlike anyplace else in the nation," according to a release from Houston First.

The first phase includes the expansion of the GRB, which will provide access to the Toyota Center with a new 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza. An expansion of the Avenida Plaza will also connect Discovery Green to the new Central Plaza.

"This project is truly transformative for downtown Houston, a lasting legacy that will solidify our position as a top-tier convention and entertainment destination," Mayor Whitmire said. "Most importantly, we are creating a space that will build community, foster connection, and shape the future of Houston."

Additional phases include a redesign of the GRB and connecting it to the East End area.

The project is being done through funding by the state's portion of incremental Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue growth from this part of downtown - meaning this is not an extra burden to taxpayers.

The first phase is scheduled to open in May 2028. The full campus transformation is slated to be finished by 2038.

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