First look: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center renovation and expansion [slideshow]

Tishman Construction, an AECOM company, joined the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, Empire State Development, the New York Convention Center Development Corporation, the Hotel Association of New York City, and FXFOWLE EPSTEIN to celebrate the completion of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center’s comprehensive revitalization and expansion. This $465-million project has secured the Javits Center’s position as the busiest convention center in the United States.

Since the project’s beginning in 2009, Tishman has managed its construction while keeping the facility open, operational and safe for exhibitors and guests. The massive upgrade included a 110,000-sf expansion – Javits North – as well as the installation of 240,000 sf of energy-efficient glass curtain wall on the existing facility. Additionally, Javits now has the largest green roof in the Northeast spanning 292,000 sf, which will provide significant energy and cost savings. With a commitment to sustainability and a focus on efficiency, the repositioned building is pursuing LEED Silver certification.

Led by Tishman Construction Executive Vice President Vincent Piscopo with Senior Vice President Glen Johnson and First Vice President Nancy Czesak, the project team and show managers worked together so that Javits remained fully-functional throughout its renovation. Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools were utilized to facilitate the planning and implementation of a phased schedule and coordinate extensive logistics that ensured public safety and kept the project on track.

Image by David Sundberg - Esto

In order to replace the renowned glass roof and façade of the facility’s Crystal Palace and River Pavilion, the Tishman team erected temporary scaffolding filling 5 million cubic feet of space. On the building’s roof, 19,000 linear feet of track were laid for an innovative rail gantry system that moved and installed 89 HVAC units weighing 20,000 pounds each. Through collaboration with the New York City Department of Buildings’ BEST Squad, these successful methods are now used as a model for working safely at public facilities.

“The most impressive aspect of this project was realizing the upgraded design without missing a single day of operations, a single event and any loss of revenue,” said Barbara Lampen, president of the New York Convention Center Development Corporation. “The fact that this could be achieved in that manner is a testament to the innovative and diligent planning that Tishman undertook in addressing the unique challenges that were part of this incredible renovation.”

Image by Chris Cooper Photographer

Image by David Sundberg - Esto

About Tishman Construction
Founded in 1898, Tishman Construction, a wholly owned AECOM subsidiary, is one of the world’s leading builders, currently managing construction for the 1,776-foot-high One World Trade Center, the Javits Convention Center expansion and renovation in New York, the new headquarters for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., and the new Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center for high-speed trains in California. Known for successfully managing complex, iconic projects, Tishman is responsible for the construction of more than 450 million square feet of space, incorporating facilities of every size and type, including arts and culture, commercial, convention centers, education, gaming, government, healthcare, hospitality, residential, retail, sports and leisure, technology and transportation. More information on Tishman Construction can be found at www.tishmanconstruction.com. Follow Tishman on Twitter at @TishmanBuilds and like Tishman Construction on Facebook.

About AECOM
AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world's built, natural and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 140 countries and had revenue of $8.2 billion during the 12 months ended Sept. 30, 2013. More information on AECOM and its services can be found at www.aecom.com.

The editors of Building Design+Construction present 10 “Great Solutions” that highlight innovative technology and products that can be used to address some of the many problems Building Teams face in their day-to-day work. Readers are encouraged to submit entries for Great Solutions; if we use yours, you’ll receive a $25 gift certificate. Look for more Great Solutions in 2012 at: www.bdcnetwork.com/greatsolutions/2012.

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