T
he impending closure of the Austin Convention Center is driving a wave of development and renovations as key players in the city's hospitality sector prepare for the shift. The convention center, slated for demolition next year, will be replaced by a $1.6 billion facility set to open in 2029. To meet growing demand for conference space during the interim period, developers are racing to fill the gap.

    One of the most notable projects is Hotel Trinity, a 13-story hotel at East 5th and Trinity streets, which broke ground last week. The Indiana-based White Lodging and REI Real Estate joint venture expects to open in early 2027 with 6,000 square feet of meeting space, a rooftop pool, fitness center, social club, and a seafood-focused restaurant on the ground floor. Hotel Trinity aims to become a "private hideaway" for guests.

    The convention center overhaul is expected to attract large-scale conferences and events, making properties like Hotel Trinity key players in meeting demand. The AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, owned by the University of Texas, will undergo a $30 million renovation starting next spring to modernize its 85,000 square feet of meeting space and add a junior ballroom.

    Other White Lodging-managed properties, including the Westin Austin Downtown and J.W. Marriott Austin Downtown, are also undergoing renovations to upgrade their meeting spaces, guest rooms, and lobbies. The renovations are expected to be completed next year, with FVS as lead architect, DPR Construction as contractor, and FlickMars Hospitality as interior designer.