Dallas City Council voted Wednesday to reject a redesign of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, keeping the massive project on its current timeline. The 9-6 decision means the lowered building height will proceed despite concerns from Oak Cliff residents about changes to key traffic connections across the Trinity River.
The vote settles weeks of debate over whether to raise the convention center’s profile to preserve Jefferson Boulevard’s direct route beneath the structure into downtown. City officials lowered the design earlier to cut roughly $500 million from the $3.8 billion expansion, eliminating clearance for the viaduct.
With the current plan moving forward, Jefferson traffic will be rerouted onto a new path, potentially increasing congestion and travel times for commuters from southern Dallas. Houston Street viaduct is expected to convert to a pedestrian-friendly greenway.
Council members acknowledged communication shortfalls by city staff, with several saying they only recently grasped the full impact on Oak Cliff connections. Critics, including Council Member Chad West, argued the changes will have lasting effects on the neighborhood’s link to downtown for decades. Supporters emphasized the need to avoid further delays that could jeopardize hotel tax revenue for arts and tourism projects and risk broader financial ripple effects.
The project includes the expanded convention center, a new deck park, and renovations to Memorial Auditorium and the Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Council also authorized hiring a consultant to address area traffic issues.
Eighty-eight speakers addressed the council during public comment, with many urging preservation of the viaducts and others warning about impacts on convention business if construction slows.
The decision prioritizes the project’s 2030 opening target after years of planning.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
