Cuomo announces $1 billion NYC convention center expansion

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference at the Javits Convention Center in New York, N.Y., Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016. But he says it must grow to remain competitive.

The far west side of Manhattan, much of which still bears the signs of industrial sites that used to dominate the area, has long lagged development in other parts of the city.

It will have 1 million square feet of total event space, five times more meeting room space and the “largest ballroom in the Northeast”, the governor said, joking that the ballroom could host a “really big fundraiser”.

Governor’s Office A rendering of the proposed new ballroom.

Under his plan, construction will begin later this year to build 1.2 million additional square feet.

Cuomo said Tuesday that new Javits proposal – the latest in a line of infrastructure upgrades he is championing including makeovers of LaGuardia Airport and Penn Station – is not just a vision.

Heywood T. Sanders, a University of Texas at San Antonio professor and the author of “Convention Center Follies: Politics, Power, and Public Investment in American Cities”, said convention centers have been oversold as agents of economic growth.

“The Javits Center was constructed to create economic opportunity, and by reinvesting in this iconic facility, we are ensuring those opportunities continue for years to come”, said Howard Zemsky, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development.

The plan also includes a new green roof terrace with views of the Hudson River capable of accommodating 2,500 guests. That location on 35th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues will put the new hotel relatively close to the Javits Center. 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 facility is home to annual events such as New York Comic Con and the New York Boat Show.