Fort Worth hires 3 construction firms for convention center expansion project
Work will start next year on the first phase to overhaul the Fort Worth Convention Center.
The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to contract with three construction firms known for their experience and work on convention centers: AECOM Hunt, Byrne Construction Services and EJ Smith Construction. The contract amount is up to $30 million.
Money for the convention center expansion will come from the American Rescue plan Act funds approved in March 2021. ARPA funds are available to state and local governments for a wide range of improvement projects.
“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,” Mike Crum, director of public events for the city, said in a statement.
Ben Robertson, vice president at Byrne Construction Services, said the project would bring “incredibile visibility” to the city.
“As a local Fort Worth company, being on this team is a point of great pride,” Robertson said.
The convention center will continue to operate during the expansion, according to the city.
Work on the structure, built in 1968, will start in mid-2023 and is expected to be finished in 2026. The expansion project includes building new food and beverage facilities, demolishing the annex and realigning Commerce Street for a future hotel.
The second phase of the expansion includes replacing the “outdated” arena with a an exhibit area, ballroom and meeting space
Timing for the second phase depends on culture and tourism tax revenues.
This story was originally published November 29, 2022 at 4:54 PM.