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Convention center expansion: demolition set to start in May; public art and development plans draw attention
Summary
Commissioners heard that demolition of the current Austin Convention Center will begin in May with fencing starting in April. A previously discussed public-private tower component (hotel/office/housing) was deemed financially infeasible; staff will present to council and expand community outreach in April.
Vice Chair Patterson and members of the Joint Arts and Music Land Use Working Group updated the commission on the Austin Convention Center expansion, including a demolition timeline, public-art concerns and planning for community outreach.
Patterson said the existing convention center will be fenced off at the beginning of April and demolition is expected to begin in May; the last South by Southwest under the current facility will occur before demolition. Some public artworks will be removed and repurposed for the new building; Patterson called out a large mosaic by John Yancey that will be difficult and costly to salvage and said it may not be in the budget to restore that piece.
Patterson also…
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