ALLEN, Texas – The Allen City Council gave the green light to an upcoming $85 million convention center and hotel. The complex will sit across the street from the popular Watters Creek shopping development in Allen, a suburb of Dallas.

Officials estimate a January 2017 opening for the 290-room hotel and 64,500-square foot convention center. An attached 1,000-car parking lot will also serve the complex.

“This convention center is truly a unique asset for North Texas,” said Allen mayor Stephen Terrell. “The sheer size of the convention space opens the door for significant conferences and propels Allen to a whole new level as a destination city for business and tourism.”

Officials expect to break ground by the end of the summer.

For more information, read the Dallas Business Journal article or go to visitallentexas.com.