HOUSTON – Demolition has begun on the Avenida South Parking Garage in downtown Houston, eliminating more than 1,400 parking spaces as part of a major expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center.
While project leaders say the timeline is critical, some residents are raising concerns about the impact on drivers, businesses and tourism.
The Avenida South Parking Garage, which served thousands of drivers in the heart of downtown, is being torn down to make way for the convention center’s expansion footprint.
Project leaders say the work had to start now to keep construction on schedule.
“We have to start demo-ing this week to maintain a schedule and deliver the building in time for May 2028,” said Frem Reggie, the expansion project manager.
The project will add hundreds of thousands of square feet to the convention center.
A replacement garage is expected to open sometime in September, though it will offer about 400 fewer spots than the structure being demolished. That gap has some residents worried, particularly heading into a busy summer.
Lisa Hunt, a representative with People for Polk Street, one of the streets being closed during the project, says the timing could be damaging.
“It’s going to be cold turkey having this closure. For a lot of people who live and work downtown, it’s going to be a real challenge,” Hunt said.
Hunt expressed concern about the effect on tourism, especially with the FIFA World Cup approaching.
“I think it’s a real black eye to Houston. We want to build our reputation as a tourist destination, and I don’t think this will show well,” she said.
She also warned of potential consequences for nearby businesses.
“I think we’re going to see some bankruptcies in the midst of this, unfortunately,” Hunt said.
City officials say more than 50,000 parking spaces remain available across downtown, and drivers are being encouraged to use other garages and surface lots in the meantime.
“It’s just a matter of a few months gap before it’s open,” Reggie said.
Hunt questioned whether the garage could have been preserved during construction.
“We definitely could have designed around this problem,” she said.
But project leaders say that was not a viable option given the site’s location.
“It was considered, but it’s difficult because it is in the heart of where the expansion has to go, given the land constraints,” Reggie said.
Demolition is expected to last through the end of July. The replacement garage is slated to open in the fall. Officials are urging anyone heading downtown to plan ahead and utilize apps like ParkMobile to help them find parking.