In three years, the eastern edge of downtown Houston will look dramatically different than it does today. According to Central Houston president Bob Eury, more than $1 billion in new development is happening in the area near the George R. Brown Convention Center. It will be great when it's done. In the meantime, here's what's behind the fences and construction congestion of the big civic projects:

1. George R. Brown Convention Center: The 27-year old facility is getting a new glass facade with panoramic views of downtown, new restaurants and a leafy promenade on ground now occupied by Avenida de las Americas, which will be reduced from eight to three lanes. Target completion date: Spring 2016.

2. Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1777 Walker: A new 1,000-room hotel connected by a pedestrian bridge to the George R. Brown Convention Center. Estimated cost: $335 million. Opening September 2016.

3. Nau Center for Texas Cultural Heritage, 1801 Capitol: A new visitors' center with a state-of-the-art "gateway" to activities in 29 Southeast Texas counties; plus a museum devoted to Houston's history, development and culture with classrooms, a restored turn-of-the-century home, a theater and a gift shop. Estimated cost: $80 million. Target completion date: Fall 2016. Read more about the Nau Center on HoustonChronicle.com.

4. Greater Houston Partnership Building: A 10-story office building directly north of the convention center. It will house the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston First Corporation and the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau. The attached 2,000-space parking garage will have a pad to accommodate a 400-room boutique hotel and connect by a pedestrian bridge to the George R. Brown Convention Center. Estimated cost: $76 million. Target completion date: Spring 2016.

Also in the works: A new MetroRAIL line adjacent to the convention center and new residential developments totalling 1,340 units.

Learn more: houstonconventiondistrict.com.