UT-Austin Outlines Future Of Austin Convention Center District

AUSTIN, TEXAS — University of Texas at Austin architects on Friday revealed various scenarios outlining the future of the Austin Convention District at the request of city officials.

In December 2017, Austin’s City Council unanimously authorized UT-Austin's Center for Sustainable Development to develop and compare scenarios for the downtown Austin Convention Center area. Faculty and research staff members from the School of Architecture and the McCombs School of Business examined options for a more inclusive and vibrant downtown district.

The center released its report on Friday. Two broad themes emerge from the architects' investigation:

Placemaking Matters

• The Convention Center area connects four rapidly developing corridors in one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.
• Three scales of urban design must be considered: the immediate area around the Convention Center, the larger southeast quadrant of downtown, and connectivity with other parts of the city.
• Projects need to contribute to multiple civic goals and support residents and visitors alike.

The Economic Ecosystem Matters

• The leisure and hospitality industry contributes 15 percent of Austin’s total economy — up from 11 percent in 2000 and more than the state average of 13 percent.
• Convention centers make important contributions to this sector.
• Hotel taxes make convention centers possible and support other community goals.

View the full report here

“Frameworks for Placemaking: Alternative Futures for the Austin Convention District” draws lessons from other convention center districts across the country and combines considerations of urban design, needs of event facilities, financial factors and other planned projects for the area. This information will help elected officials and city staffers determine the best path forward to meet Austin’s goals.

A public presentation will be made to City Council at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, at the Austin Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St.