The expanded Javits Center, operated by New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, will feature more than 200,000 square feet of new meeting room and pre-function space, including a 54,000 square-foot special event space — the largest event space of its kind in the Northeast. All of the new exhibition and meeting spaces will be equipped with the latest technology in lighting fixtures, heating and cooling systems and wireless connectivity. The newly-expanded Javits Center will feature 500,000 contiguous square feet of event space, which will help the facility attract international business conferences. More than 3,000 solar panels also will be constructed on the new and existing rooftops as part of a new program with the New York Power Authority.
Starting on May 19 as Governor Cuomo announced earlier this week, in conjunction with protocols established by the state Department of Health, the Javits Center will be allowed to host events at 30 percent capacity with safety restrictions in place, such as social distancing and designated entry and exit points for all participants.
Since January 13, the Javits Center has operated the state’s largest vaccination center in conjunction with the state Department of Health and the New York National Guard, providing vaccines to more than 500,000 vaccines. Due to the massive size of the convention center, events will be allowed to operate in available spaces while the vaccination center operations continues. The Javits Center also has constructed a state-of-the-art broadcast studio, which can host virtual and hybrid events.
The Javits Center expansion is part of Governor Cuomo’s broader Midtown West redevelopment, announced as part of the 2021 State of the State agenda. New York State has previously led several successful macro-development projects in New York City, including Battery Park City, Roosevelt Island and the transformation of Times Square. In addition to the recently opened Moynihan Train Hall, other elements of Governor Cuomo’s vision for Midtown West include the Empire Station Complex project, extending the High Line, replacing the Port Authority Bus Terminal and transforming Pier 76 from a tow pound to a waterfront park. The $51 billion plan will create 196,000 jobs, new outdoor spaces, improved public transit and pedestrian connections, and bring commercial and affordable housing opportunities to the burgeoning Manhattan neighborhood.
In March, a Request for Proposals was issued for the commercial or mixed-use development of 418 11th Avenue, one of the last remaining vacant parcels on the West Side of Midtown Manhattan. The approximately 1.2-acre site, referred to as Site K, is owned by the New York Convention Center Development Corporation – an Empire State Development subsidiary – and is located directly east of the main entrance to the Javits Center.
