Transformation of the New York State Fairgrounds
Our staff was extremely honored to take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off the 2016 season of the newly transformed New York State Fair.
In 2015, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a new $50 million rehabilitation plan to transform the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes, New York into a year-round, premier multi-use facility to attract more events and visitors from across the nation. The 435-acre Fairgrounds site, with its historic buildings and architecture, had remained essentially the same since its opening in 1904, with no significant reinvestment in the facility since this time.
MJ was the lead consultant on this extensive renovation project, which included planning and design services for a dramatic new main entrance, larger and more efficient Midway, a new 315-space full-service RV Park, added green space and vendor areas, and various other landscaping, lighting, wayfinding, parking and pedestrian safety improvements throughout the site. Prior to design, MJ also initiated early planning with the completion of a Campus Utility Master Plan, 10-year capital improvement plan and Campus Master Plan.
Project Details:
Site and Building Demolition: In order to provide a “shovel ready” site planned renovation, MJ performed design and inspection services for the demolition of the Gate One, grandstands and track areas, which included a controlled implosion of the grandstands.
Main Entrance Gate: The design of the new main entrance was inspired by the original historic carriage entrance constructed in 1900. The structure includes nine arches, brick and concrete facing, columns, iron gates, innovative sound equipment and dramatic impact lighting. The arches were composed of steel framing, supported by concrete masonry piers and mat foundations. Date stones were a creative feature embedded in the Fairgrounds' new arched main entry gate to specially honor the history of New York's role hosting the first-ever state fair. The stones were dated “1840” – the date on the original carriage entrance arch built in 1900 – and “2016”.
Expanded Midway: MJ expanded the existing Midway from 11 acres to nearly 16 acres and reoriented it as the epicenter of the Fairgrounds. The Midway’s new asphalt pad is the size of over 10 football fields with more room and better layout for rides and attractions. Full infrastructure upgrades were designed, including installation of properly sized sanitation and storm water systems, electrical and communication systems as well as electric/water/sewer hook-ups for concession booths, rides and campers.
Empire RV Park: The new Empire RV Park includes 315-sites, camper hook-ups with electric options, water and sewer connections, cameras, blue lights, 10,000-sq.ft. bathrooms and showers with architectural theme matching other historic structures on the campus. It makes the Farigrounds accessible year-round for distant travelers.
Campus Signage Master Planning and Implementation: Working with Fairgrounds staff, MJ developed a series of standardized signage for use in wayfinding, destination, information and identification. These standards were implemented throughout the Fair to bring uniformity.
The most complex issue faced by the team was the project's extremely aggressive design and construction schedule. The project needed to be complete by the first major show, the Syracuse Nationals in July 2016. MJ coordinated the work of nine subconsultants while simultaneously working on other structural design and civil engineering projects at the Fairgrounds.
“The State Fair is a central part of New York’s history, and an annual showcase of all that our state has to offer. Whether it's agricultural competitions, state-of-the-art technology exhibits, or live performances, the State Fair is where we show off the best of New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “Each year we strive to make the New York State Fair better than before, and with this investment we are reimagining the fair to ensure it remains a major economic engine for generations to come.”
