Dallas Leaders Debate Buying Historic Property or Revamping $3.7 Billion Convention Center Plans
The city of Dallas is facing a major decision over the future of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, with plans to turn the old Dallas Morning News building into a data center. The move has sparked a debate among city leaders, with some arguing that the city should buy the historic property, while others believe that revamping the $3.7 billion renovation plans is the best course of action.
The city’s maneuvering on its design plans comes after developer Ray Washburne, the current owner of the former newspaper headquarters property at 508 Young Street, told The News that he is selling the property to a data center. The move could significantly alter project plans, placing an industrial space in the heart of the development instead of a mixed-use hotel and entertainment district.
Council Member Paul Ridley’s Perspective
Council member Paul Ridley, who oversees part of downtown Dallas, expressed confidence that the city would not let the data center take over the property. "It’s a test of wills," he said.
City Council Meeting Scheduled
The Dallas City Council has scheduled a closed-door meeting on Wednesday, February 26, to "Deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property located at 508 Young Street," according to a public agenda. City officials also held similar deliberations on February 5 in closed session.
Washburne’s Plans
Washburne maintains that he has a "firm contract" with an unnamed data center. He told The News that he wasn’t aware of plans to exclude his property. "I don’t care," he said. "It would make my life easier."
City Manager’s Statement
City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert reiterated the city’s commitment to developing the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center master plan in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible. "This project has the potential to be a major, long-term benefit to the City, and we will not publicly discuss or comment on negotiations," she said.
History of the Property
When Washburne bought the property in 2019 for $28 million, he said he planned to turn the campus into a mixed-use hotel and entertainment district. Two years later, The News reported Washburne was working with developer Jack Matthews, who is also leading the project to redevelop the convention center.
City’s Funding Mechanism
The city found a mechanism to fund the $3 billion in convention center improvements in late 2022, when voters approved using hotel occupancy taxes to pay down the debt incurred by the city.
Current Plans and Alternatives
Last March, officials told the City Council that the convention center’s original orientation would have to shift to accommodate Texas Department of Transportation interstate projects and improvements to the Union Pacific line. The new plan shifted the convention center’s footprint 90 degrees away from the southwest corner of Memorial Drive near Interstate 30 and closer to the old newspaper campus on Young Street, now owned by Washburne.
Perkins&Will’s Role
Then, in September, the city hired the architecture firm Perkins&Will to come up with design and construction plans.
Washburne’s Concerns
Washburne said he had received no formal indication from the city that they planned to use eminent domain. He was willing to discuss the matter further and mentioned that moving the data center into another one of his properties is a possible solution.
Conclusion
The city of Dallas is at a crossroads with its plans for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. While some argue that buying the historic property is the best course of action, others believe that revamping the $3.7 billion renovation plans is the way forward. The city’s decision will have a significant impact on the future of downtown Dallas.
FAQs
Q: What is the current plan for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center?
A: The current plan is to turn the old Dallas Morning News building into a data center.
Q: What are the concerns about the plan?
A: Some city leaders are concerned that the data center will take over the property, while others believe that the city should buy the historic property.
Q: What is the city’s stance on the matter?
A: The city is committed to developing the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center master plan in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible.
Q: What is the current status of the project?
A: The project is currently in the design and planning phase.
Q: What is the estimated cost of the project?
A: The estimated cost of the project is $3.7 billion.
Q: When is the city council meeting to discuss the matter?
A: The city council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26.
