A majority of College Station city council members are still interested in building a convention center complex.
That followed a 90 minute discussion at Thursday night’s meeting (July 24) that included a second report from two outside consultants who say the construction cost is $505.6 million dollars, it will be operated at a deficit, but the deficit will be more than offset by hotel occupancy tax revenue and visitor spending.
The convention center has an exhibit hall, two ballrooms, and an undisclosed number of meeting rooms. That would be connected with a hotel that is 18 stories tall and has 400 rooms. The complex would be surrounded by a parking garage holding 400 vehicles and surface parking for 600 vehicles.
A specific location was not selected. Instead, there were five areas. The top three are along University between South College and Tarrow. The other areas are the former Macy’s store building and surrounding parking that is owned by the city and College Station’s Midtown district. It should also be noted the cost does not include the cost of buying land.
The consultant and some council members said the project is contingent on partnerships assisting with the financing. Possible contributors that were mentioned included Texas A&M, the city of Bryan, and Brazos County. The consultant also shared possible state financial sources and what has been done in cities located outside of Texas.
The consultant’s report projected revenue and expenses of a convention center-hotel complex to have a net loss ranging from $1.8 million dollars in the first year to $3.5 million in the 30th year. Not included in the expenses, is whatever debt the city has to pay for financing the project.
The consultant also projected the city receiving tax revenue and additional revenue from visitors as the result of the complex, starting at $34 million dollars the first year the complex was open to $128 million dollars in the 30th year.
Council members and city management say they are waiting for the consultants to provide detailed data that went into the 22 page presentation that was shared at the council meeting.
The council’s next discussion on this topic could be as soon as 30 days from now.
Click below to hear some comments from the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.