As part of his 2016 agenda, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled a $1 billion plan to dramatically increase not only the meeting and exhibit space at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York, but also build a four-level marshaling yard and the largest ballroom in the Northeast.

“We are pleased to hear about the plan to expand the Javits Center on Manhattan’s Far West Side,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO, NYC & Company.

He added, “This robust plan to add more convention and meetings space capacity is welcoming news for the more than 6 million meetings delegates that convene in New York City each year. This addition will ensure NYC continues to lead in the convention and exhibition industry."

The proposal will expand the Javits Center by 1.2 million square feet to 3.3 million square feet, resulting in a fivefold increase in meeting and ballroom space, including the largest ballroom in the Northeast.

A four-level, 480,000 square foot truck marshaling facility capable of housing hundreds of tractor-trailers at one time will also be constructed to improve pedestrian safety and local traffic flow.

The proposal’s total projected cost is approximately $1 billion, paid for by the Javits Center within existing resources.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2016.

“The Javits Center has long been an economic generator for this state, but we want to build and expand it to ensure it remains a premier venue for the next generation,” Gov. Cuomo said.

He added, “Through one of the most aggressive development plans in the history of the State of New York, we are transforming one of our largest convention centers into an unparalleled, world-class venue. The new Javits Center will continue to garner millions in economic activity, create jobs and keep New York’s economic momentum moving forward.”

The proposal will provide Javits with more than 1 million square feet of event space. This includes a 60,000 square foot ballroom and, of the exhibition space, 500,000 square feet will be contiguous space on one level.

The proposal also includes the installation of a 34,000 square-foot solar energy array, the largest of its kind on a public building in New York State. As a part of the expansion project, the Javits Center will seek LEED Platinum certification. 

In 2014, the facility hosted 177 events and more than 2 million visitors – ultimately supporting 17,500 jobs locally and generating an estimated 478,000 nightly hotel room reservations.

In total, the Javits Center had an economic impact of $1.8 billion last year. 

Twenty of the 2014 TSNN Top 250 trade shows were held at the Javits in New York City, with some of the largest being NY NOW – Summer, with more than 500,000 net sq. ft., the American International Toy Fair, with more than 410,000 net sq. ft. and the Fancy Food Show (Summer) with 361,000 net sq. ft.