San Antonio Releases Design Plans for Convention Center Expansion

In June 2012, San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro announced plans to expand the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in downtown San Antonio. A year later, the city has unveiled its vision, releasing schematic design plans and renderings for the facility’s $325 million transformation, the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau (SACVB) reported last week.

“Strong infrastructure combined with a distinct visitor experience is what makes San Antonio one of the top convention destinations in the nation,” SACVB Executive Director Casandra Matej said in a statement. “This project will allow us to offer convention clients a flexible, innovative facility that is built to meet their needs, providing benefits to all groups meeting in San Antonio, no matter the size.”

Scheduled for completion in spring 2016, the expansion — aiming for LEED Silver certification — will include 835,000 gross square feet of new construction and approximately 78,000 square feet of renovation to existing spaces. Highlights include: 260,000 square feet of new exhibit space, for a total of over 500,000 square feet; a new 54,000-square-foot ballroom, which will be the largest ballroom in Texas; an outdoor wraparound balcony showcasing San Antonio’s famed River Walk; wayfinding improvements; new entrances; new meeting, pre-function and back-of-house support spaces; and an expanded kitchen.

“The new Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center will reflect the very best of what San Antonio has to offer,” said San Antonio Director of Convention and Sports Facilities Michael Sawaya. “Our socially friendly design will offer ultimate flexibility, state-of-the-art technology and an expanded, exciting art collection — all in one of the most dynamic destinations in the country.”