The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) is set to undergo a major transformation that will reimagine downtown Houston into a pedestrian-friendly convention and entertainment district.  Mayor John Whitmire and Houston First Corporation recently unveiled a master plan for the project, marking the first substantial renovation since 2016, which opened the building to Discovery Green and created the Avenida Houston Plaza.   The $2 billion project aims to bolster Houston’s position as a global hub for sports, entertainment and tourism, an especially timely investment as the city prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 and the Republican National Convention in 2028.   Phase One  Click to expand The first phase of development includes a 700,000-square-foot building, GRB Houston South, which will serve as a key connector between downtown and Houston’s East End. The building will include two exhibit halls, a multipurpose hall opening to the new Central Plaza, an atrium flex hall, ground-level retail and dining spaces and what is set to be the largest ballroom in Texas.  Click to expand Additionally, the Avenida Plaza will be extended south to connect Discovery Green with the new Central Plaza, creating an expanded gathering space for large-scale events and community activities.  “This project is truly transformative for downtown Houston, a lasting legacy that will solidify our position as a top-tier convention and entertainment destination,” said Mayor Whitmire in a press release. “Most importantly, we are creating a space that will build community, foster connection, and shape the future of Houston.”  Click to expand The project's design is inspired by Houston’s bayous and natural prairie landscape. Along with its nature-inspired elements, the building will use eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, including rainwater collection and water-saving features, to minimize its environmental impact and strengthen the city's sustainability efforts.  The groundbreaking project will be funded by a portion of the state’s hotel tax revenue, made possible by Senate Bill 1057, which passed in 2023.  The Need for Expanded Infrastructure  With Houston’s hospitality and tourism industry rapidly expanding, the demand for expanded infrastructure has never been greater. In 2024, the city welcomed more than 54 million visitors, an increase of six percent from 2023 and nearly 10 percent since 2019, according to Houston First.  Click to expand “It is imperative for us to stay competitive and meet the needs of our meetings and convention customers,” said Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First, in the same release. “This project will not only accomplish that but will "establish a gathering space that will be the epicenter for entertainment, sports, and city-wide events, accentuating our ability to capitalize on Houston's unique offerings.”  GRB Houston South is scheduled to open in May 2028, with the full project expected to be completed by 2038.  Discover more about living in Houston. 

Following the success of 2023, the Greater Houston region continued to attract global businesses. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Partnership reported a total of 540 new business announcements, with 379 companies expanding their Houston area operations and 158 establishing new operations. Of the 540 new business announcements, the Partnership and its regional allies assisted 36, creating 5,000 jobs and fueling the regional economy with $1.1 billion total capital investment. Here are a few of the major project wins: Bionova Scientific Bionova Scientific is a biologics contract development and manufacturing organization that focuses on developing and manufacturing recombinant protein products. In 2024, the company expanded its research, development and manufacturing operations in The Woodlands Innovation District, funneling 57 jobs with a $100 million capital investment. Grainger, Inc. Fortune 300 company, Grainger, Inc. is a leading broadline distributor of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products. In 2024, the company broke ground on its 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center. When operational it will be one of the company’s largest facilities to date, will create 300 jobs, and has a capital investment of $225 million. IC Star Solar LLC IC Star Solar LLC, a Cambodian manufacturer of PV power generation products, opened  its new manufacturing facility in Tomball in 2024 focusing on the production of solar cells and modules. The facility employs 348 people and boosted the Houston economy with a capital investment of $30 million. QYK Brands QYK Brands is the largest manufacturer of wet wipes & methyl methacrylate (MAA) and houses a bio-chemical manufacturing plant that produces 7,000 metric tons per year. The company is establishing a manufacturing facility in the Houston area with approximately 1,000 employees and $400 million in capital investment over the next three years. TMEIC Corporation Americas Japanese company, TMEIC Corporation Americas, announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Houston and the expansion of its manufacturing capacity in Brookshire. The state-of-the-art photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facility will develop PV inverters for the U.S. solar market. This project will create 300 jobs and a capital investment of $300 million. Healgen Scientific LLC Chinese company, Healgen Scientific, is a leading provider of diagnostic and medical testing solutions. Healgen celebrated the grand opening of their first U.S. manufacturing facility and office headquarters location in Houston. The facility will manufacture tests for COVID-19 and influenza and serve as the central hub Healgen's distribution operations. This project will create 200 jobs and a capital investment of $27 million. The Partnership works to ensure Houston is a great city to do business and has become a key partner for companies aiming to relocate or expand in the area. Grow your business in Houston.