Construction on the East Montgomery County Improvement District’s roughly 210,000-square-foot convention center in New Caney is projected to begin on Jan. 20, officials confirmed in a Jan. 14 email.

The details

The start of construction on the convention center, which will be located at Valley Ranch Town Center in New Caney, is coming more than two years after EMCID officials announced the project in April 2022.

In November, EMCID’s board of directors approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of $159 million in sales tax revenue bonds to cover the cost of the convention center as well as an 813-space attached parking garage, according to a Dec. 20 news release.

Kelley Mattlage, EMCID vice president and chief communications officer, said the $159 million secured for the project includes potential contingency costs, noting the total cost of the project cannot exceed the bond amount.


EMCID officials said the project represents a significant investment into the growth of the area, and is projected to generate roughly $1.73 billion in spending over 30 years.

A closer look

EMCID’s board of directors approved the selection of construction firm SpawGlass Construction Company to oversee the project in May 2023. Designed by Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock Architects, the venue will feature:
  • A 55,000-square-foot ballroom and exhibit hall
  • Roughly 20,000 square feet of meeting space
  • Around 25,000 square feet of lobby space and outdoor courtyards.
According to a 2021 economic analysis report conducted by Hunden Strategic Partners, the project is expected to generate the following returns within the district over a 30-year period:
  • $1.73 billion in spending at area businesses
  • $775 million in new earnings by area businesses
  • $35.1 million in sales, hotel and venue taxes
  • More than 500 direct and indirect full-time equivalent jobs
Additionally, officials said the convention center would be large enough to hold major corporate events, sporting events, trade shows and other private events.

EMCID President and CEO Frank McGrady said he hopes the new convention center will help attract new residents and businesses to the area.


“The idea is to create the critical pieces that make the greater Porter-New Caney area a destination for many, but more importantly, a place where locally all can work, shop, play and even graduate,” McGrady said in a statement. “We should be at the top of the list of major employment relocations, and this investment will certainly help move the needle.”

What’s next

EMCID officials said construction on the project would likely take around 18 months to complete.

This story is part of Community Impact's new coverage on the New Caney and Porter area. To subscribe to the daily newsletter—which will premier on Feb. 3—for this area, click here.