HOUSTON – Houston recently unveiled a transformative plan for the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) and its surrounding areas, marking a new era for downtown Houston. The announcement was made during a landmark event attended by community leaders, business figures, and elected officials.
Jay Zeidman, chairman of the board of the Houston First Corporation, opened the event by acknowledging the legacy of the late Sylvester Turner, a former mayor and congressman.
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Zeidman emphasized the significance of the GRB, which has been a cornerstone of economic growth and community engagement in the city for nearly 40 years.
The GRB Convention Center, originally opened in 1987, has undergone several expansions to accommodate the city’s growth. The first major expansion occurred in 2003, nearly doubling the center’s size and adding the Hilton Americas Houston, the city’s largest hotel. A second wave of enhancements in 2016 connected the building to Discovery Green, creating a campus environment for locals and visitors.
Michael Heckman, the CEO of Houston First, highlighted the convention center’s role in Houston’s economy, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue annually. He introduced the new GRB Houston South, a 700,000-square-foot building designed to host multiple events simultaneously, boosting the city’s opportunities.
The master plan also includes a 100,000-square-foot plaza connected to the Toyota Center, an entertainment district with restaurants and nightlife, and a pedestrian promenade linking downtown to the East End.
The project is supported by Senate Bill 1057, which allows Houston to access the state’s portion of incremental hotel occupancy tax in the area, ensuring funding without burdening local taxpayers.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire expressed his excitement about the project, emphasizing its potential to transform the central part of the city and enhance Houston’s walkability and public spaces. He also highlighted the collaboration across government levels and the importance of maintaining Houston’s competitive edge in attracting major conventions and events.
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