In January 2016, Governor Cuomo announced that Javits Center would be expanded to at a cost of US$1.5 billion. Javits North, a "semi-permanent structure" at the north end, would be demolished and replaced by a new glass building with "meeting rooms, new exhibition halls and outdoor space". , including about of exhibition space, would be added. The consortium chosen is made up of project manager Lend Lease Group and Turner Construction Company, a subsidiary of Hochtief which is controlled by Spanish company ACS Group. The expansion was intended to make Javits Center a more competitive location for conventions and events compared to other cities' convention centers. There were also no hotels near Javits Center, which led some convention planners to decide against holding their events there. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in March 2017. Initially, the expansion was scheduled to be completed in March 2021.
