Fort Bend County Unveils Plans for EpiCenter Hotel & Convention Center in Rosenberg
In a move that could redefine the landscape of Fort Bend County’s tourism and events economy, officials presented plans this week for a major new development: the Fort Bend County EpiCenter Hotel and Convention Center Project. The proposal, unveiled at the Rosenberg City Council Workshop Meeting on September 23, outlines a public-private partnership that would expand the already iconic Fort Bend EpiCenter into a regional destination for conferences, concerts, sporting events, and more. This announcement was shared through a press release from the City of Rosenberg, providing key details about the scope and funding of the project.
The project includes a combined 103,000 square feet for a 254-room full-service hotel, a connected 70,000-square-foot convention center, and two large parking garages with more than 2,600 combined spaces. According to the current design, the west garage will offer 1,527 spaces and the east garage will provide 1,087.
A Partnership Built for Growth
Fort Bend County plans to fund the convention center and parking garages, an investment totaling approximately $160 million, while a private developer will construct and own the hotel with an estimated investment of $75 million. As part of the financial proposal, county officials requested that the City of Rosenberg allocate the 7% hotel occupancy tax (HOT) generated only from this hotel back to the County for the next 30 years. Importantly, the City would retain all HOT revenue from any future hotels spurred by the development.
The Rosenberg City Council expressed favorable consensus and is expected to bring the item to a future agenda for an official vote.
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A Vision Years in the Making
The new hotel and convention center are a natural next step in the evolution of the Fort Bend EpiCenter, a 230,000-square-foot venue that opened in August 2023 after nearly a decade of planning. Originally envisioned in 2015, the facility has become a community cornerstone, built to serve not just Fort Bend residents but the broader Houston region.
From the start, the EpiCenter was designed to be more than just an event space. Located on the county’s highest elevation, the venue doubles as a mass shelter in times of disaster, adding an important layer to the County’s emergency response strategy. It’s also a popular location for youth sports, fine arts performances, concerts, graduation ceremonies, and the annual Fort Bend County Fair.
With the addition of a hotel and convention center, the County aims to attract more large-scale events while creating an “entertainment district” that includes future hotels, retail, and more. The EpiCenter complements nearby venues such as Sugar Land’s Smart Financial Centre but brings something unique by combining multipurpose use with local accessibility.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
Since opening, the Fort Bend EpiCenter has demonstrated strong financial returns. To date, the facility has generated $800,000 in sponsorship revenue from major brands like Chick-fil-A, Southwest Airlines, PepsiCo, Mitsubishi, Bud Light, and Energy Texas. Additional income streams—such as naming rights and concessions—are projected to make the facility financially sustainable in the long term.
The County’s decision to pursue a public-private partnership (P3) model early in the planning process helped avoid costly delays. Stonehenge Companies, the County’s development partner, played a key role in securing financing and expediting the project. The venue is operated by The Sports Facilities Companies, a national leader in managing sports and recreation facilities.
Even before the hotel and convention center are built, the EpiCenter is delivering on its promise to reduce the need for residents to travel into Houston for major events. Local school districts like Lamar CISD and Fort Bend ISD are also expected to utilize the space for performances, athletics, and graduation ceremonies as the venue becomes further integrated into community life.
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What’s Next for Rosenberg and Fort Bend County?
If approved by Rosenberg City Council, the hotel and convention center project would likely mark the beginning of a new chapter—not just for the EpiCenter, but for the entire area surrounding it. The development could serve as a catalyst for future hotels, restaurants, and retail, aiming to transform the corridor into a true regional destination.
As plans for the EpiCenter expansion progress, Fort Bend County officials have outlined goals to support local infrastructure and encourage broader economic development across the region.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for updates on this project and other Fort Bend County developments that matter to your community.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
