Rosenberg, Texas — a fast-growing suburb southwest of Houston in Fort Bend County — is set to see another major development. County officials have announced a $235 million project that will bring a convention center, hotel, parking facilities and a new retail district to the area.
The expansion builds on the success of the EpiCenter, a multipurpose arena that opened in 2023 and has quickly become a regional destination. Since its debut, the venue has hosted NCAA games, boxing matches and other high-profile events that have energized the local community.
Officials say the new development will not only boost attendance at the EpiCenter but also increase the range of events the county can attract, further cementing Rosenberg as a hub for entertainment and commerce.
Optics of the additions
The project includes a nearly 70,000-square-foot convention center and a 254-room full-service hotel adjacent to the EpiCenter. To handle the expected increase in visitors, plans also call for two parking garages with a combined capacity of about 2,600 vehicles. A retail district is slated for the final phase, designed to draw even more activity to the site.
Together, the additions aim to transform the EpiCenter into a premier destination for large-scale events, boosting local revenue and expanding the kinds of gatherings Fort Bend County can attract.
The public-private partnership
The $235 million development will be built through a public–private partnership. Fort Bend County plans to invest about $160 million to construct the convention center and parking facilities, while a private developer will finance and own the hotel at an estimated cost of $75 million.
To make the project financially feasible, county leaders are seeking support from the city. Officials have asked the city to return 7% of hotel occupancy tax collected from the new hotel for the next 30 years. The revenue-sharing agreement is intended to help the developer recoup costs and keep the property competitive with other lodging options in the region.
Economic development
By adding a convention center and hotel alongside the EpiCenter, officials aim to turn the site into a fully integrated destination for sports, conferences, and leisure travel. With few large-scale event venues in southwest Houston, the project could fill a major gap in the regional market.
If successful, the development is expected to boost nearby businesses, generate additional revenue, and raise the profile of the surrounding community.
A bold bet on Rosenberg’s future
Officials and residents alike expect the new additions to draw significantly more visitors to the EpiCenter and surrounding area, fueling broader community growth. Many see the project as a potential turning point for Fort Bend County, with the development positioned to spark further investment in a region often overshadowed by nearby Houston.
In Rosenberg, optimism is running high. Community members hope the expansion will build on the EpiCenter’s momentum, transforming it from a valuable local asset into a true cornerstone of the county and reshaping the city’s future.
