Fort Worth unveils a major transformation of its downtown
February 6,2026
See full WFAA article by Rachel Behrndt here.
One of Fort Worth's most iconic buildings will soon have a new, glassy counterpart at the opposite end of Main Street.
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the Fort Worth City Council heard a presentation on phase 2 of the Fort Worth Convention Center expansion. Phase one has been underway for several years, and phase 2 will involve the demolition of the convention center's existing arena and its existing flying saucer-shaped exterior.
The project is being led by multiple firms, including project manager Broaddus & Associates Inc. in partnership with Elements of Architecture Inc. Architecture firm Thompson Ventulett Stainback & Associates Inc. collaborated with Fort Worth-based Bennett Partners, particularly on the exterior of the building, officials said. AECOM Hunt, Byrne Construction Services, and E.J. Smith Construction will stay on the project as construction manager at risk for phase 2.
The goals of phase two include rebuilding the convention center's north-facing exterior and adding a new 40,000-square-foot ballroom. The changes will provide more square footage to attendees and improve the back-of-house portion of the center to make moving in and out more efficient, Bob Jameson, President and CEO of Visit Fort Worth, said.
After the city demolishes the existing flying saucer-shaped arena that is currently attached to the convention center, the exterior design will include a tower to mirror the Tarrant County Courthouse, which is within the convention center's line of sight.
The north side of the convention center will be completely transparent, to give convention attendees a view of the courthouse, Mike Crum, public events director with the city of Fort Worth, said.
By demolishing the arena, extra space will be created for a plaza, which designs have yet to be finalized for.
A new exhibit hall, included in phase two of the project, will have higher ceilings, which also allow more sporting events to be held in the space.
The redesign of the convention center will coincide with the realignment and development of Commerce Street, which was recently straightened to make room for a new convention center hotel.
The project is expected to cost the city $700 million, a large chunk of which was pulled from federal funds awarded to local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fort Worth voters also approved a 2-percentage-point increase to the city’s hotel occupancy tax, the tax hotels collect when a guest stays in a room.
Planners hope to have the design for phase two completed by the end of 2026, the final event in the arena will be hosted in September 2026, demolition will start in the first quarter of 2027, and is expected to be complete by 2030.
The city is considering selling naming rights to the building, and expects to earn between $450,00 and $500,000 from naming rights.
Location Mentioned: Fort Worth Convention Center Expansion