By Holly Dutton
The Javits Center, the convention and trade show complex on the Far West Side, has completed renovations on the 1.8 million total square feet complex, marking the end of a four-year-long expansion process.
The project — which started with an expansion program from 2009 to 2010, followed by a renovation program from the summer of 2010 to this month — was managed by the Empire StateDevelopment Corporation, The New York Convention Center Development Corporation, and The Jacob K. Javits Center of New York.
One of the highlights of the project was the addition of a green roof, the largest in the Northeast at 6.75 acres, which will reduce water run-off and heat gain at the center.
Energy efficient lighting, a 240,000 s/f glass curtain wall, and 110,000 s/f of additional space adjacent to the main facility are also key aspects of the renovation. The energy efficient additions are expected to cut down the massive facility’s energy consumption by at least 26 percent.
“The Javits Center is the only major convention center in the country that needs no operational subsidies,” said Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of Empire State Development, during a tour of the new-look facility on Monday.
“It is a destination that is always in high demand, and the new and improved Javits will undoubtedly be even more successful. During the four-year renovation project, this amazing facility continued to prove successful for New York’s business community, generating more than $6 billion of economic activity across New York City and New York State.”
A major part of the renovation was replacing 3,722 glass panels with energy-efficient, high-performing glass, and upgrading to high-efficiency mechanical units, both of which were needed to obtain LEED Silver certification. “Our team was able to transform this iconic facility through innovative planning and logistical coordination, working seamlessly with the operator to ensure the outstanding shows Javits hosted were not compromised during construction,” said Daniel R. Tishman, chairman and CEO of Tishman Construction.
“We are honored to have worked with the State of New York and all those at Javits on this incredible renovation throughout the past four years.”
Architects on the project were FXFOWLE , while Tishman Construction managed the construction.
Photos by Holly Dutton
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