Construction advances near Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center with the demolition of an old garage, making way for a major expansion set to finish by 2038.
HOUSTON — Construction tied to the expansion of Houston’s largest convention center is continuing as crews begin demolishing the Avenida South Garage near the George R. Brown Convention Center.
The garage closed to the public on May 4 and is being torn down to make room for the future GRB South building, part of a long-term redevelopment plan for downtown Houston’s convention district.
“That was a great garage for many, many years,” said Michael Heckman, CEO of Houston First. “[Demolition] was required because of where the building will sit.”
Heckman said a new 1,000-space garage under construction at Bell and Chenevert streets is expected to open in early fall, roughly four months from now.
The new garage is part of the first phase of the broader GRB expansion project, which city leaders say remains on schedule. Officials expect the GRB South Building to be completed in 2028, while the full convention center redevelopment project is projected to wrap up in 2038.
“This is really a multi-phased master plan and transformation of the convention district,” Heckman said.
Houston First said visitors to the convention center, Discovery Green and Hilton Americas-Houston still have several nearby parking options during construction.
Hilton guests are encouraged to use valet service on Dallas Street, with vehicles parked at the Avenida Central Garage beneath Discovery Green. Additional parking is available at the Tundra Garage near Toyota Center, the Norton Rose Fulbright Tower garage and nearby surface lots. Visitors to the GRB and Discovery Green are also encouraged to use the Avenida North Garage.
Drivers can also reserve parking online through Downtown Houston+.
Houston City Council member Joaquin Martinez said construction is not expected to interfere with downtown events or preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The space that we’re speaking of is about a four-block radius,” Martinez said. “Construction shouldn’t hinder anything coming east of downtown where the Fan Fest will be.”
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