Vice Chair Patterson updated the Music Commission on the Austin Convention Center expansion and its implications for arts and the music economy.

The current convention center will be fenced after South by Southwest and demolition is scheduled to begin in May, Vice Chair Patterson said; the 2026 convention schedule will use other venues while construction proceeds. “This will be the last South by Southwest that'll be using the convention the current convention center space,” Patterson said.

Staff said the previously proposed public-private tower on the convention-center footprint — a plan that included a mixed-use tower with hotel or housing — was determined not feasible. “That footprint will still be used for the convention center, but it's not clear right now … what the how that's going to be used,” Patterson said.

The working group flagged arts-specific impacts: public artworks installed at the current facility will be removed and staff said some pieces will be repurposed while others may be too costly to salvage. Patterson specifically noted a large mosaic by artist John Yancey that likely cannot be saved within available budget. She encouraged arts and restoration professionals to volunteer or advise on preservation options.

Parks, tourism and hospitality impacts were also discussed. The commission noted the multi-year disruption for downtown festivals and for South by Southwest attendees, and asked how hotel-occupancy-tax (HOT) revenues and the convention budget will be affected. Vice Chair Patterson said convention staff told the commission that servicing costs were included in the project budget, but maintenance and long-term cost questions remain.

Commissioners urged the convention center team to hold targeted outreach sessions — including a public session focused on arts and music uses for the ground floor — and to share plans for pedestrian circulation and retail uses. Patterson said convention staff planned community outreach after a council presentation scheduled for later in the month.

No formal action was taken. The commission asked that staff coordinate notice of any public meetings and urged arts and music leaders to participate in outreach.