Houston is planning a major transformation with the expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center. However, some East End residents are concerned about the project. The new 700,000-square-foot GRB Houston South construction will result in the closure of Polk Street, an important road into downtown Houston, according to CW39.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire introduced a major project that he says "This will transform Central Houston," which includes the GRB Houston South building and a pedestrian plaza linking to the Toyota Center. The project also includes the closure of Polk Street, a decision that has raised concerns among East End residents. Protesters interrupted the announcement, and local officials raised concerns at city meetings. Roy Hirsch, an East End resident, said, "A street with unhindered vehicular traffic that connects downtown to the communities east and south will be taken away, and there is nothing in place at the present time to mitigate the mobility impact of this action." Council member Julian Ramirez also voiced concerns, stating, "We can’t just close that street and say, ‘Well, we’re going to study this,' or, ‘We’re going to look at it, and we’ll deal with it later,'" as stated by Houston Public Media.
Houston First Corporation CEO Michael Heckman spoke about the GRB Houston South project, focusing on efforts to improve city connections by "restitching neighborhoods" with new pedestrian promenades and greenspaces. While specific details are still unclear, he said, "that is fully on point, and that is our goal — to have those answers." He also noted the significant changes coming to Polk Street due to the I-45 project, stating, "It will never be the same, and what our goal is is to work with those communities and the city to make sure that folks feel that they are getting even more connectivity than maybe even they have today." The first phase of the development, funded by hotel occupancy tax revenue, could cost "up to a billion dollars," with the full project expected to be completed by 2038. The target opening is set for May 2028, in time for the Republican National Convention, as reported by Houston Public Media.
