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. 

Texas Children’s Hospital and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have announced a new joint venture aimed at advancing pediatric cancer treatment.   According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 24 percent of Texas' population is under 18 years old, and Texas Oncology reports that over 1,700 children under the age of 20 are diagnosed with cancer, with nearly 200 losing their lives to the disease annually. This makes the need for life-saving treatments more crucial than ever.  By combining the expertise and resources of two of the nation’s leading medical institutions, the partnership will expand access to clinical trials, catalyzing innovative discoveries that can bring treatments to young patients faster.  “The scope and scale of our combined effort will build the world’s preeminent pediatric cancer center, addressing the growing need for excellent patient care and greatly benefiting children with cancer through increased access to care and to clinical trials,” Dr. Peter WT Pisters, president of MD Anderson, said in a press release. “MD Anderson and Texas Children’s offer unique strengths that when brought together will accelerate improved outcomes for patients in Texas and around the world.”  Set to launch in early 2026, the joint venture will prioritize the creation of new facilities designed to enhance the overall patient experience, featuring state-of-the-art medical technology and a “best-in-class healing environment.”  The care team will include 200 Texas Children’s pediatric oncology specialists who are full-time faculty with Baylor College of Medicine and more than 100 MD Anderson pediatric clinicians and researchers.  “This groundbreaking collaboration between two proven leaders in pediatric and cancer care marks the beginning of a new era in the fight against childhood cancer,” Debra Sukin, president and chief executive officer of Texas Children’s, said in the release. “The combined force of our two iconic programs will be led with the nation’s top talent—from clinicians and researchers to nurses and administrative professionals—each committed to realizing the shared mission of eradicating pediatric cancer.”  The initiative will also invest in pediatric oncology education programs, ensuring that the next generation of medical professionals is equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to continue advancing pediatric cancer treatment.  The partnership between Texas Children’s and MD Anderson showcases Houston’s dedication to advancing cancer research and pioneering life-saving treatments. In line with this commitment, MD Anderson furthered its efforts last year through a partnership with Rice University to establish the Cancer Bioengineering Collaborative. This collaboration focuses on both fundamental and translational cancer research, developing cutting-edge technologies for cancer detection and therapy, and securing external funding to support continued research and training.  Learn more about Houston’s life sciences ecosystem.