Williamson County officials broke ground on a 48,000-square foot expansion to the Expo Center on Sept. 25.

The county is renovating the existing facility at 210 Carlos G. Parker Blvd. in Taylor to increase the number and types of events that can be held at the center. The development includes enhancements to the existing arena, a new indoor exposition facility, a concessions building and a ticket building, along with various site improvements.

The building includes 24,000 square feet of covered expo facilities and 23,000 square feet of enclosed areas. The spaces include administrative offices, a food preparation area, a large group gathering space and exterior show spaces.

County officials plan to use the event center for livestock shows, rodeos, consumer shows, concerts, religious events, auctions equestrian events and more.

“This will be a county-wide facility,”  Commissioner Valerie Covey said. “Folks in Georgetown, Taylor and more will use this and benefit from it.”

Funds for the improvements come from park bonds approved by voters in 2013. In May, the Williamson County Commissioners pulled $3.5 million in park bonds to supplement the first phase of the center's development.

County Judge Dan Gattis said the county anticipates the expansion to be completed by July of 2016.