HOUSTON – The city of 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.
Jason Bateman, 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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Bateman 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, then highlighted the convention center’s pivotal 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 opportunities for the city.
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 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.
Houston city leaders and company executives are coming together to unveil new plans to reinvent downtown Houston’s convention district.
Mayor John Whitmire will be joined by Michael Heckman, the CEO and president of the Houston First Corporation, as well as board chairman Jay Zeidman.
The first speaker was Jay Zeidman, who was appointed by Mayor Whitmire to serve as the board’s chairman.
The mayor will present renderings and detailed information surrounding the plans to improve the George R. Brown Convention Center, as well as the entertainment district on the east side of downtown, commonly known as EaDo.
The press conference will begin at 9:30 a.m. on March 6 and will be held at 1835 Bell Street.
