TWA hotel at new york's JFK airport breaks ground

construction work has started at new york’s JFK airport, where eero saarinen’s TWA flight center is being converted into a 505-room hotel. the building originally opened in 1962, a year after saarinen’s death, and served as trans world airlines’ terminal until 2001, when it was no longer able to support modern aircraft. in 1994, the structure was deemed a historic landmark, and in 2005 it was on the national register of historic places.

two hotel structures housing the guest rooms will be set back on either side of the terminal
rendering courtesy of MCR development (also main image)

15 years after the building was closed to the public, new york’s governor cuomo and hotel investment firm MCR have now broke ground on the much-anticipated conversion. the scheme seeks to preserve and restore the terminal building, mirroring its 1962 design aesthetic. meanwhile, two hotel structures housing the guest rooms will be set back on either side of the terminal. passengers from every terminal will be able to reach the TWA hotel via the airtrain, as well as through the saarinen-designed passenger tubes that connect directly to terminal 5.

the building originally opened in 1962, a year after saarinen’s death
image by max touhey

the hotel building will contain 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space, a 10,000 square foot observation deck, and eight food and beverage outlets. restoration plans include reviving the terminal’s interiors by charles eames, raymond loewy, and warren platner. the plans also involve a museum showcasing new york as the birthplace of the jet age, the history of trans world airlines, and the midcentury modern design movement.

the structure has been closed to the public since 2001
image by max touhey

‘JFK airport is one of largest international transit hubs in the world and a key driver of new york’s economy,’ says governor cuomo. ‘the conversion of the TWA flight center into a new state-of-the-art hotel will preserve this iconic landmark while cementing JFK’s status as a crown jewel of aviation. this groundbreaking builds on our efforts to modernize gateways across the state and we will continue working to drive growth, support thriving regional economies and build 21st century infrastructure of the caliber that new york deserves.’

restoration plans include reviving the interiors by charles eames and raymond loewy
image by max touhey

‘the passion for this incredible building and the outpouring of support for our plan to preserve saarinen’s masterpiece and permanently reopen it to the public as a 500-room hotel has been astounding,’ said tyler morse, CEO of MCR development, the firm responsible for the TWA flight center redevelopment plan. ‘we are proud to play a part in governor cuomo’s plan to revitalize our region’s airports and we are excited to get to work as we breathe new life into one of the most important buildings in america.’

the hotel building will contain 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space
image by max touhey