The Dallas Examiner: Over $187 Million approved for components of Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Master Plan

View original story here: https://dallasexaminer.com/dallas-city-council-contracts-kay-bailey/

More than $187 million in contracts for key components of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Master Plan, marking a major step towards transforming Dallas into a world-class convention destination, was awarded Wednesday by the Dallas City Council.

The Council awarded a $141.5 million contract to Perkins&Will and Populous for architectural, engineering, and design services for the Convention Center Expansion West of Lamar –Component 1. Perkins&Will and Populous have committed to over 50% minority- and women-owned business enterprise participation.

The Council also approved $42 million in city contributions and $31 million in federal funding, including $20 million from the Reconnecting Communities grant program awarded through a partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments. This funding will be used to construct the foundations for three deck caps, as well as the capping and foundation of the Lamar crossing, near the KBHCCD. 

Metropolitan Infrastructure, PLLC, a Dallas-based M/WBE firm, was awarded a contract exceeding $3.7 million to manage Component 5. With a 99.3% overall M/WBE team, they will oversee the renovation of Pioneer Plaza and Cemetery.

Convention and Event Services is leading a team of architects, engineers, and other contractors to design a Convention Center district from Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station to Old City Park that will connect surrounding communities, meet convention attendees’ evolving needs, and position Dallas as a top-tier event and conference destination. 

“The City Council has made a transformational investment to realize the vision for a reimagined Convention Center district,” said Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “The local and global expertise of our project partners will be instrumental in creating a facility that not only meets current and future convention demands but connects the surrounding residential community and serves downtown workers, benefitting Dallas economic growth and social vibrancy for generations.”

With more than 40 conventions booked in the facility scheduled to open in 2029, the new KBHCCD expansion plans include:

• 800,000 square feet of Exhibit Hall space

• 170,000 square feet of Ballroom space, including a 100,000-square-foot largest ballroom

• 260,000 square feet of Meeting Rooms.

• 2,000 parking spaces.

For more information about the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Master Plan, please visit DallasCCMasterPlan.com.