East Montgomery County Improvement District officials held a groundbreaking ceremony March 10 to kick off construction of the district’s roughly 210,000-square-foot convention center in New Caney.

The details

The groundbreaking ceremony for the convention center, which will be located in Valley Ranch, is coming almost three years after EMCID officials announced the project in April 2022.

“To say we're excited about this project is a huge understatement,” EMCID President and CEO Frank McCrady said during the ceremony. “We needed the best location that worked in synergy with our growing retail, restaurant and entertainment development, and that location is in the entrance to the entertainment district of Valley Ranch.”

What to expect


In May 2023, EMCID’s board of directors approved the selection of construction firm SpawGlass Construction Company to oversee the project, according to a December news release. 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.
The impact

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.

What they’re saying

Aaron Bradford, operations manager for SpawGlass Construction, touted the broader effect he believes the project will have on the area.


“This facility really does combine a lot of innovation, comfort, flexibility and frugality to meet the needs of New Caney,” Bradford said. “A venue like this results in substantial value to the community, from new schools to residential developments, entertainment experiences, job growth and, ultimately, infrastructure.”

Montgomery County Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said the convention center will be able to serve the needs of the area community as it continues to grow.

“We're growing at a record setting pace, and we're excited about what this convention center is going to bring to the area,” Gray said. “I couldn't be more proud of the EMCID board, Frank [McCrady], the community and the local vendors for helping bring this to the New Caney area.”

What’s next


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