It’s Austin Convention Center’s Last SXSW Before a Makeover. Here’s What To Know.

Only a few weeks remain to enjoy Austin Convention Center as it stands – construction to tear down and rebuild the center starts in April. A brand-new center is not expected to open until 2029.

Here’s what Austin Convention Center’s makeover includes:

• The center will grow from 365,000 square feet to 620,000 square feet of rentable space.
• Currently the 61st largest in the U.S., the convention center is expected to move up to the 35th largest when it reopens.
• Multiple levels, public art, meeting rooms, ballrooms, and an outdoor space for music and events will be part of the redevelopment, according to KUT.
• The center will be the world’s first zero-carbon-certified convention center, according to officials.
• Third Street will be reopened to multimodal traffic and Second Street will be upgraded to be more pedestrian-friendly.

The new convention center is expected to cost about $1.6 billion, and will be paid through with funds from Hotel Occupancy Tax and Convention Center revenues, the city said.

“With a design that emphasizes street-level openness and accessibility, vibrant public plazas, and pedestrian-friendly pathways, this transformation will enhance connectivity and inclusivity, creating a more accessible and engaging downtown experience for residents and visitors,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.

Construction plans have not been without controversy – At least four artworks currently in the convention center will likely be demolished with the building. The city deemed the works, including John Yancey’s “Riffs and Rhythms,” infeasible to relocate. Artists are allowed to remove their work themselves.

“In most cases artists cannot possibly afford to hire the conservators, expert crews and heavy equipment at their own expense to reclaim their work as is stated in the outdated policy,” Yancey told KXAN.

Artworks that cannot be saved will be documented by the city.

The new space will include a $17.7 million investment into public artwork, a news release from Austin Convention Center says.

If you’re already thinking about next year’s SXSW, don’t worry. The festival will still be held in Austin, even without a convention center, and event organizers are already reimagining what the festival will look like, a spokesperson told Community Impact.

🗣️ Does Austin need a new convention center?