New York-based hotel management firm MCR Development has begun the public review process for its proposed US$265m conversion and rehabilitation of the TWA Flight Center at JFK International Airport into a 505-room hotel.
“From labor to building trades to aviation and mid-century modern aficionados, we’ve seen a groundswell of support for our plan to preserve the iconic Saarinen Terminal and permanently reopen it to the public as JFK’s first top-of-the-line, on-site airport hotel and museum,” said Tyler Morse, CEO of MCR Development. “We are proud to play a part in revitalizing JFK and we look forward to continuing our work with the surrounding southeast Queens communities and the city as we begin the formal public review process.”
The proposed plan, which was unanimously approved by the Port Authority Board of Commissioners in September, would rehabilitate the landmark to its 1962 glory through a privately-funded investment. Featuring LEED design, two six-story hotel structures housing the 505 rooms would be set back from the terminal, situated and designed to defer to Eero Saarinen’s architectural masterpiece.
Creating 3,700 permanent and construction jobs, the hotel will contain 40,000ft2 of meeting and event space, 6-8 food and beverage outlets, an observation deck and museum space dedicated to the Jet Age and mid-century modern design. Targeted completion is 2018, the New York City Planning Commission plan has certified the hotel conversion plan for public review through the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP).
“As New York’s hometown airline, we are proud to support MCR’s redevelopment plan, which preserves the terminal’s historical importance while also returning it to the public for all to enjoy,” said Rich Smyth, vice president of corporate real estate at JetBlue. “This hotel not only benefits JetBlue’s customers and crewmembers, but also furthers the entire airport’s position as a leading global hub for aviation. We look forward to welcoming the TWA Flight Center Hotel to our front door at our Terminal 5.”