The first sections of steel were installed for the Javits Center’s expansion project, a major milestone in the construction of more than 1 million square feet for the convention center on Manhattan’s West Side.

The steel will serve as the support for the new event spaces connecting to the existing building, adding 100,000 square feet to the Level 3 show floor and 100,000 square feet of new meeting room space, as well as a rooftop pavilion, a truck garage and a working farm.

The massive construction project – occupying two full city blocks between West 38th and West 40th streets and 11th and 12th avenues – is set to be completed by 2021.

To accommodate the ongoing construction work, a new loading dock entrance has opened on West 40th Street near 12th Avenue in Manhattan. The former West 39th Street entrance has closed permanently for all deliveries. All drivers will continue to check in at the appropriate check-in office on 12th Avenue between West 35th and West 36th streets. Truck queuing will remain on 12th Avenue from West 34th to West 39th streets.