The Town Center Improvement District, a legislatively mandated body to promote tourism and development in The Woodlands, is developing the convention center component and The Woodlands Operating Co. LP, the 12-story hotel. The convention center will include a 19,000-sf ballroom, 4,000-sf junior ballroom, 38,000-sf exhibit hall and 12,000-sf to 13,000-sf meeting area.

Frank Robinson, president of the town center district, tells GlobeSt.com the project cost is estimated at more than $40 million. "This state-of-the-art facility," he says, "will enable The Woodlands to be highly competitive in attracting conventions, conferences, consumer shows and festivals." It's a surefire spark for more jobs and increased tourism.

Robinson says the project's viability had been weighed in a study commissioned through John Keeling of PKF Consulting. According to Robinson, the study had concluded the market niche is excellent for a medium-size convention center. Robinson says there are very few convention centers of this type nationwide and he is optimistic that it will draw trade associations and other mid-size conventioneers to The Woodlands.