On April 18, the 2024 Open City Benefit will bring together hundreds of New Yorkers for a festive evening at the Rooftop Pavilion and Farm at North Javits, part of the $1.5 billion expansion of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Alan Steel, CEO of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, which operates Javits Center, will accept the 2024 Open City Award on behalf of the North Javits design-build team led by Lendlease Turner, WXY Studio, TVSdesign, Moody Nolan, Stantec, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, and Jaros, Baum & Bolles.

Tell us what role you played and what it was like to work on this transformative project.

I was fortunate to be involved from the outset. In 2012, when I came here, we were in the process of completing the FXFowle-led 2009–2014 renovation of the building (which had opened in 1986) when then-Governor Cuomo gave us the opportunity to continue the revitalization of the Center by planning the expansion of the building. Working with Bruce Fowle of FXFowle and Barbara Lampen of Empire State Development Corporation, we were given a broad remit – essentially to remedy deficiencies in the original plan, reflect current realities of the events industry, and take account of planned development in the area (7 Line and Hudson Yards). We were able to continue the development of a more sustainable building, which had begun with the renovation and had already given us a green roof, bird-friendly glass and other environmental and energy-saving benefits.

When the project launched as the first design build project in New York City, we first of all learnt what that meant, and then, together with Robin Stout of Empire State Development Corporation and the Lendlease Turner and TVS teams, we all learnt how it worked. And the expansion was built on time and on budget.

Tell us about the team effort required to bring this project to life.

It took more than a village and too many people to call out individually!

However, Javits team leaders need specific recognition. In Doreen Guerin, we had someone who knew how the building worked and what needed to be done to make the building a better environment for our customers. In Ken Sanchez, we had experience in building convention centers. We had building security experience in Ken Dixon and IT experience in Mark Sims and Tim Gaburungyi. Across the board we had people who listened to each other. And together with Robin Stout of Empire State Development Corporation, we all learnt about “design build” and how it worked.

What is your favorite feature of the North Javits expansion?

I have more than one – but the outstanding feature for me was, and still is the Farm. In the early stages of design, Bruce and I had a conversation about the space behind the Pavilion. We knew we wanted a Truck Marshaling Building to mitigate the traffic impact of our events, and we were looking at what we could do with the roof space. We had thought about a green space, like that which had been built over the existing building in the renovation, but realized that with concrete construction of the TMB, we would have significantly more weight capacity. I’m English, I garden, I have a roof garden at my home – ergo a farm in the sky was born.

“This new rooftop is one of the most exciting event spaces in New York City in more than a generation. With stunning skyline views and state of the art technology, the rooftop creates a unique roof to table experience for our guests while enabling our staff to push the boundaries of sustainability and further explore how to improve the quality of life for our neighbors — those with wings and those without.”

– Alan Steel, CEO of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation

How do you hope this facility will benefit New York City?

Our purpose in life is economic development for the State and the City through holding conventions, meetings and trade shows. The features we had added during the renovation – the bird-friendly glass – and were then able to add in the expansion – the meeting spaces, the truck marshalling building, the additional exhibit space, the microgrid and, of course, the indoor/outdoor space, and the Farm – all individually and collectively added to the appeal of the Center. They have allowed us to diversify our customer base and be better positioned for change in the events business. And of course, to continue to be available in emergencies – like Covid – for alternative uses.

What are the economic and environmental impacts of the North Javits expansion?

Economically, we can attract more business to the city. From a community perspective, we can show how convention centres can be better neighbours. Environmentally, we can show what is possible in the renovation of an existing building and the addition of a new building. We are an example of what can be achieved if sustainability is at the heart of your business objectives. Everyone who comes here for whatever purpose can experience that and we hope they leave with the thought that they might be able to do something similar.

What statement do you think North Javits makes about New York and the city’s future?

I think it says New York State and New York City are places where innovation will always be welcome. And I think it says we can be creative, caring, and capable of using new construction approaches and implementing sustainable practices.

And I think it says if you can build it here, you can build it anywhere…

About Alan

Alan Steel, as the Chief Executive Officer of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, has overseen significant developments at the Javits Center, positioning it as a leading example of sustainability and innovation in the convention industry. Steel brings extensive experience in event management, spanning over 30 years. Before leading the Javits Center, he served as the President of George Little Management (GLM), a major producer of trade shows in the United States and Canada. Additionally, he held various trade-related positions within the British government for over 15 years.

Under Mr. Steel’s leadership, the Javits Center underwent a significant expansion project, adding over 1 million square feet of modern space, including exhibition areas, meeting rooms, a rooftop pavilion, and a rooftop farm. Mr. Steel led efforts to enhance the Javits Center’s sustainability, making it a nationwide model. This included investments in energy efficiency, security, and technology, as well as partnerships with research institutions and community groups to reinforce its positive impact on the local environment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Steel played a crucial role in New York’s response and recovery efforts. He oversaw the design, construction, and operation of the nation’s largest field hospital and vaccination center at the Javits Center.

Alan Steel has received numerous awards for his contributions, including recognition from organizations such as the International Association of Exhibitors and Events (IAEE), New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Sing for Hope, and New Yorkers for Parks.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Steel is known for his commitment to environmental causes. He serves as the chairperson of NYC & Company’s Sustainability Committee and sits on the boards of directors for organizations such as New York City Audubon and New Yorkers for Parks, as well as the board of trustees for The Climate Museum.
Alan Steel’s multifaceted leadership encompasses both operational excellence in the convention industry and a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Through his efforts, the Javits Center has become a beacon of innovation and environmental stewardship in New York City.