On Friday, New York City FC announced the architect and general contractor for the team’s future home. HOK has been selected as the architect, while Turner Construction Company has been announced as the general contractor. This is a vital step in the stadium process, for the stadium can be planned and designed.
It also shows NYCFC is well on its way with building the new stadium. While it will be a few years before it is completed, this news means the club and the city are not dilly dallying. At least, the city is not slowing things down as of yet. At the same time, the club can officially work with HOK and bring their vision of the 25,000 seat stadium to life.
Moreover, NYCFC selected a prestigious architecture firm by selecting HOK. They are well known throughout the world, but especially in the United States. Their projects include all different kinds of buildings, from hospitals, stadiums, college campus buildings, court houses, and so much more. The firm also focuses on sustainability with their buildings, which is something both the club and city want for a brand new stadium.
More recently, HOK designed the LaGuardia Airport New Terminal B. Most New Yorkers dread going to the airport, especially LaGuardia. But the new terminal is magnificent and beautiful. It enhances the traveling experience, and most who have seen the terminal had nothing but positive things to say.
NYCFC hires a great team for their new stadium
Of course, New York City FC hired HOK for its work with stadiums and athletic buildings. Notable projects include St. Louis CITY SC’s new CITYPARK and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
On the other hand, NYCFC selected Turner Construction for their experience with building stadiums and other sport venues. This includes locally Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium. They have also built multiple Major League Soccer stadiums.
The two companies have worked together on over 400 projects going back about 50 years too. This is an added plus for NYCFC, for this should guarantee a strong working relationship.
Sporting Director David Lee had this to say about the announcement:
"We’re extremely excited to announce HOK as the architect and Turner Construction Company as the general contractor for our future home. It is clear that HOK and Turner are the right partners to bring our vision of a world-class stadium that is integrated into the local community. Soccer is known around the globe for its incredible in-stadium atmospheres, and we are committed to delivering a best-in-class experience for our fans in a stadium that reflects the greatest city in the world."David Lee
If HOK’s recent designs can allude to what NYCFC’s future stadium will look like, then supporters should expect a modern, high-tech stadium, but also a building that reflects the area. Rashed Singaby, a principal and senior project designer at HOK, expressed that to NYCFC.com:
"We’re honored to work with NYCFC to design New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium for the 2021 MLS champions. The stadium will embody New York City’s dynamism and cultural diversity and will become a vibrant example of urban placemaking. Our design will embrace the multi-faceted identity of Queens, Flushing Meadows and the site’s industrial heritage, offering fans an unprecedented, hospitality-driven game-day experience while integrating into the local community as an everyday asset."Rashed Singaby
The resume of both HOK and Turner Construction clearly illuminates that New York City FC is in good hands, and will one day have a state-of-the-art stadium to call home. These are exciting times for both the club, and supporters.