JFK Airport's iconic TWA Flight Center, the Eero Saarinen, is finally, maybe, getting a second life after being abandoned for 14 years. MCR Development will turn the historic structure into the glamorous TWA Flight Center Hotel.
According to a report by New York Curbed, the property will be transformed into a hotel with 505 rooms, 40,000 square feet of meeting space, six to eight dining establishments, and a 10,000-square-foot observation deck.
CEO Tyler Morse released a statement regarding the development of the facility. He says the renovation "will celebrate and preserve" the building. He adds that they will be "returning the landmark to its original glory and reopening it to the public." New York Curbed news goes on to quote the CEO, "Whether staying the night or simply exploring, international visitors and New Yorkers alike will be able to experience the magic of the Jet Age in this extraordinary mid-century icon."
In a press release, it was said that the new building will "set back from the terminal, designed to defer to the landmark." A rendering also shows a low rise building peeking out from behind Saarinen's swooping beauty.
The developer has long tried to bring the TWA terminal back to life. They first proposed a "plan to include (an) innovative museum focusing on New York as the birthplace of the Jet Age, the storied history of TWA Airlines, and the Midcentury Modern design movement."
Officials are currently working on the site's master plan, which is expected to unveil within a year. The development is expected to construct next year and will be opening in the year 2018.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, a partnership has been built between New York-based hotel developer MCR Development LLC and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The partnership is for the rights to develop the iconic Trans World Airlines terminal at Kennedy Airport into a modern hotel.
MCR and JetBlue have emerged for them to be the preferred bidder and are currently in exclusive discussions with the Port Authority, MCR being the majority investor.
