Visit Fort Worth
The city of Fort Worth on Tuesday selected three leading North Texas construction firms to lead the Fort Worth Convention Center’s expansion.
Under the contract, AECOM Hunt, Byrne Construction Services, and EJ Smith Construction will manage the full scope of the first phase of the project’s construction for up to $30 million.
Construction is scheduled to begin in the middle of 2023.
“The AECOM Hunt/Byrne/EJ Smith team combines a national builder with 35 years of extensive convention center expansion expertise with reputable local builders who have past experience with our center and deep roots in Fort Worth,” said Mike Crum, director of public events for the city of Fort Worth.
AECOM Hunt, Byrne, and EJ Smith have extensive roots and long history within the Fort Worth community, experience that was a cornerstone to their selection for the convention center project, according to city officials. Collectively, they have successfully completed hundreds of major projects throughout the region and state. The companies have been the proud recipients of numerous regional and national awards for quality and safety in construction, as well as numerous other industry awards.
“This project will bring incredible visibility to our city, and as a local Fort Worth company, being on this team is a point of great pride,” said Ben Robertson, vice president at Byrne. “We look forward to every step ahead in bringing new life to our convention center and paving the way for all the leading events to come.”
The expansion project will take place in two phases and the facility will remain operational during both. The first phase includes the construction of new state-of-the-art food and beverage facilities, demolition of the annex, realignment of Commerce Street to create a site pad for a future convention hotel and increasing the center’s loading docks.
This phase is expected to be completed in 2026.
“Convention centers are a force for regional economic growth and opportunity, fueling jobs, drawing visitors and building opportunity,” said Cori Smith, AECOM Hunt vice president. “Our team brings innovation and expertise, and we look forward to showcasing the best of what’s possible in Fort Worth.”
Said Eugene Walker, president and CEO of EJ Smith: “Working with our partners, we look forward to creating jobs, getting to work and delivering an incredible convention center for our region.”