Structural construction begins on Austin Convention Center

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Construction is now underway downtown on the redeveloped Austin Convention Center.

The $1.6 billion project is in its structural construction phase. Crews are installing reinforcement bars and pouring concrete for the future of the convention center.

“We are building more than just a venue—we’re building Austin’s future. This facility will reflect the city’s spirit of innovation, its global appeal and its commitment to inclusive growth,” Trisha Tatro, Austin Convention Center Director (ACCD) said in a news release last week.

The city of Austin said the redeveloped center will be "one of the most sustainable projects in Austin's history" with about 75% of demolition materials having been recycled or reused.

Chris Cordeiro is the general superintendent for JE Dunn Turner, which is the team overseeing the demolition at the convention center.

He said that demolition began in May and is expected to be 100% done by October. Then after that comes the excavation site, which is a 55-foot-deep hole. Once the excavation is done, Cordeiro said the structural foundations are estimated to begin in January 2026.

According to ACCD, construction will continue over the next several years, and officials expect the project to be done before the 2029 spring festival season.