Kay Bailey Hutchison Dallas Convention Center Pulling It All Together

The Challenge

To add 475,000 square feet (44,128 sm) of convention center space over active rail and commuter lines.

The Design Solution

Working with design architects Skidmore, Owens & Merril, HKS added 475,000 square feet (44,128 sm) to the sprawling Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas. The expansion unifies multiple previous add-ons and creates a new dramatic arrival/entry and pre-function space fronting a historic park. Two sets of arched steel trusses on the roof provide a distinctive new profile on the city skyline. They also provide support and suspension for the new 203,000-square-foot (18,859 sm) Exhibit Hall F.

The Design Impact

Now that the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center has more than 1 million square feet, the facility can accommodate events it couldn’t before, increasing its ability to draw more visitors to contribute to the local economy. With 40-foot ceilings, Hall F is the largest column-free singular exhibit hall in the world, helping Dallas land large conventions, rallies and other large national and international events.