The City of Dallas has appointed Trinity Alliance—a joint venture led by AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction—as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for Component 1 of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) Master Plan.
This initial phase, valued at approximately $7.55 million, encompasses preconstruction, construction, and demolition services for the convention center’s expansion. The comprehensive redevelopment aims to transform the KBHCCD into a premier convention destination, with a projected total investment between $3.3 and $3.5 billion. The expansion is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2029.
KBHCCD Expansion - Project Details
The KBHCCD expansion will encompass 2.1 million square feet, featuring 750,000 square feet of exhibit space, 180,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and a 105,000 square foot ballroom. The project also includes a newly renovated arena and theater, as well as an inviting entry lobby designed to accommodate various activations.
As part of the broader Convention Center District redevelopment, the plan introduces an all-new walkable area offering premier entertainment and dining options. A multimodal station center will enhance public transportation access to and from the convention center. The master plan integrates commercial, retail, and residential spaces to connect and strengthen adjacent neighborhoods, supporting their growth alongside the expanded convention center.
The expansion is expected to bolster Dallas’s economy by attracting more conventions and events, thereby increasing tourism and related revenues. The project is anticipated to create between 1,200 and 1,700 jobs monthly throughout the construction phase – more details on the video below – courtesy of WFAA.
AECOM Hunt-Turner JV - Contract Details
Trinity Alliance will operate under a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract, a delivery model that allows for early contractor involvement during the design phase, providing opportunities for cost control and risk management. Under this model, Trinity Alliance is responsible for delivering the project within a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), assuming the risk for cost overruns beyond this agreed-upon amount.
Similarly to the integrated project delivery approach, the CMAR contracting methodology is particularly suited for complex, large-scale projects like the KBHCCD expansion, where early collaboration between the owner, designer, and contractor can lead to more efficient project execution and better alignment of project goals.
The Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) framework (further details around this methodology here) typically progresses through two key phases, as detailed in the picutre below:
- Phase 1 – Pre-Construction Services: In this initial stage, the contractor collaborates with the client to support early project development, offering input on design, budgeting, and scheduling (details provided below).
- Phase 2 – Construction Services: After the design has reached an advanced stage, a separate agreement is established, underpinned by the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) determined during Phase 1.
Experience embedded in Trinity Alliance
Trinity Alliance comprises a consortium of firms with extensive experience in large-scale construction projects. The joint venture is led by AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction, both of which have a strong track record in delivering major convention centers and public infrastructure projects. Additional partners include BOWA Construction, CORE CMCI, EJ Smith Construction, GCC Enterprises, Pienado Construction, and Source Building, among others.
Collectively, the Trinity Alliance team has delivered over 70 convention center projects across the United States, including notable facilities in Fort Worth and San Antonio, Texas. Their combined portfolio encompasses more than $15 billion in completed projects, underscoring their capability to manage complex construction endeavors.
Project Funding - A creative approach
In an approach akin to a revenue-based PPP contract, the KBHCCD expansion is primarily funded through hotel occupancy tax revenues, as authorized by Proposition A, ensuring that the project’s financing does not impact local taxpayers. This funding mechanism aligns with the project’s goal of enhancing Dallas’s appeal as a convention and tourism destination.
The expanded convention center has already secured bookings for 64 events, which are projected to generate an economic impact of approximately $1 billion. These events are expected to stimulate growth in the local hospitality, retail, and service sectors, contributing to the city’s long-term economic development.
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