LERA was the structural engineer for the renovation of the Javits Convention Center, as well as the design of a proposed expansion that would grow the facility from 1.9 million sf to 6 million sf. Designs for upgrades and potential expansion had to accommodate active railway and transit lines running beneath the site. LERA provided the Design Development level Bridging documents for the Design-Build RFP issued by New York State for this project.

As part of the scope of work, several feasibility studies were conducted. Development potential was analyzed for the convention center site and adjacent sites owned by the client and other municipal stakeholders, including mixed-use, retail and waterfront schemes. The renovation included the creation of new entrances and the recladding of the entire building enclosure with a new high-performance curtain-wall and skylights, as well as the addition of a new 6.75-acre green roof that retains 72% of rainfall. LERA also provided structural designs for a new truck marshalling facility that will house loading docks and parking for show trucks and trailers, featuring 40-, 60- and 90-ft long spans.