An Update on Hotel and Convention Center Project

In 2018, the City and a private developer, Taj Hospitality, entered into a development agreement for a hotel and convention center project at Hillside Village Shopping Center. The project was to be developed and operated as a public-private partnership, where the private partner would own and construct the hotel while the City would own and construct the convention facility. The location at Hillside Village was intended to increase visitor traffic and visibility to maintain robust retail and restaurant offerings at the center.

Shortly after the initial site work began in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic halted nearly all hospitality-related projects around the country. Citing post-COVID rising construction costs, high interest rates, and supply chain challenges, Taj Hospitality did not resume the project. The development agreement with Taj Hospitality was terminated in 2022.

The City is exploring other private hotel partners and considering alternative development and ownership models that would advance the project. A hotel and convention center continues to be a priority, and we will continue to pursue options to achieve this goal at other locations in Cedar Hill.

In the near term, the City and Hillside Village are pursuing other development opportunities at the site that would fulfill the original intent of bringing additional visitors that are important for the viability of the center. Alternative development options at that site could also provide robust retail, restaurant, and entertainment amenities that residents prioritized through surveys and public input opportunities.