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September 29, 2005 One of the world's most respected and acclaimed architectural
firms, Richard
Rogers Partnership with FXFOWLE
ARCHITECTS PC and A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc., was
selected today by the New York Convention Center Development Corporation
(CCDC) Board of Directors to design plans for the expansion and
renovation of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The firm was
chosen after a rigorous selection process, which included detailed
evaluations and interviews with several of the world's top architectural
firms. "The Javits Center deserves the very best and that's exactly what
we have chosen today. Richard Rogers Partnership has designed some
of the greatest buildings in the world, and their track record of
excellence, quality and innovation is extraordinary. Their presentations
showed an unmatched understanding of the project objectives to create
a 'world-class,' state-of-the-art, fully functional international
convention center destination. We are very excited to have them
on board and to be taking this crucial step toward making Javits
what it can and should be," said CCDC Chairman Charles A. Gargano. "The Richard Rogers Partnership along with FXFOWLE, and A. Epstein
and Sons was selected because of their exceptional talent and impressive
experience with large-scale design projects," Gargano added. "We
are thrilled for the opportunity to work with such a world renowned,
dynamic team that will create the absolute best convention space
and architectural icon New York City deserves." A world wide search was conducted for an Architect/Design team
to create the final design for the Javits Center expansion. An RFP
was issued in July to find a world class, award winning architectural
design firm that could create a unique showcase convention center
facility. "This is an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to the urban
context of one of the most exciting cities in the world. Together
with FXFOWLE and A. Epstein and Sons International we aim to create
a landmark building for Manhattan - the Javits Center has the potential
to be an entirely new focal point and a vibrant meeting place for
New Yorkers," said Richard Rogers. CCDC, Empire State Development Corporation's Design and Construction
Department, Convention Center Operating Corporation (CCOC), NYC
Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC), City Planning Commission,
and the project's owner's representative, Tishman Construction Corporation,
collectively evaluated the proposals and interviewed the teams with
a criteria that included a proven track record of success in designing
convention centers, arenas, performance spaces, hotels, and large
public facilities of at least one million square feet of space. A final recommendation of the teaming of Richard Rodgers Partnership,
FXFOWLE ARCHITECTS PC and A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc.
was approved today by the CCDC Board of Directors. Per the provisions of the RFP, the Rogers, FXFOWLE, and Epstein
team will immediately begin a Master Plan and Concept Design Charette.
This will be an intensive and concentrated design process that will
be performed within the next two months. The Architectural design
team will work closely with representatives from CCDC, CCOC, and
the City to develop an overall Master Plan for the entire site of
the expansion. The result of this Design Charette will establish
a new Concept Design and overall image for the expanded Javits,
by the turn of the year. Richard Rogers is best known for such pioneering buildings as the
Centre Pompidou, the headquarters of Lloyd's of London, the European
Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and the Millennium Dome in London.
His practice, founded in 1977, has offices in London, Barcelona
and Tokyo, and is now engaged in the East River Waterfront project
and Silvercup Studios in West Queens as well as two major airport
projects at London's Heathrow Airport and Barajas Airport Madrid,
currently the largest construction site in Europe. FXFOWLE ARCHITECTS PC have received numerous design awards. Their
projects range in all types and scale including the design and redevelopment
of Lincoln Center and the design of three buildings within ESDC's
42nd Street Development Project: the Conde Nast Building at 4 Times
Square; the Reuters Building at 3 Times Square; and the New York
Times Headquarters Building now rising on Eighth Avenue. A. Epstein and Sons International, Inc. has provided companies
worldwide with expertise in architecture, engineering, construction,
interior design and graphic design. As architect/engineer of record
for the McCormick Place Convention Center South and West Expansions
in Chicago, A. Epstein and Sons International has led the development
of the largest convention facility in the United States. The expansion of the Javits Center will increase exhibit and meeting
room space from approximately 790,000 square feet to more than approximately
1.3 million square feet in the first phase, thus enabling it to
host virtually any convention or trade show. The new addition will
add an estimated $53 million in combined annual tax revenue for
the city and state to the $97 million it already provides. It is
estimated the expansion will create thousands of new permanent jobs.
The Javits expansion will take place in two phases, with Phase
I expanding south to 33rd Street and north to 40th Street, and include
a 1,500-room headquarters hotel. The expansion will create the largest
ballroom in New York City, capable of holding 6,000 people. Private
financing of $200 million will help to finance the convention center
hotel. Phase 1 of the expansion is to cost $1.4 billion, funded through
several sources. The City will contribute $350 million under a Memorandum
of Understanding and the State will contribute $350 million through
a state supported credit in conjunction with a restructuring of
existing Javits Center bonds. An additional $500 million will be
raised through the sale of bonds back by a dedicated $1.50 per key
surcharge that the hotel industry has agreed to collect. Overall
expansion, which includes Phase II, will expand the convention center
to 1.5 million square feet in combined meeting and exhibition space.
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