New York City's Javits Convention Center—a popular home for many trade shows—would grow by 1.2 million square feet under a plan put forward by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Thursday.

Javits currently has 840,000 square feet of exhibition space spread over four floors. Under the $1 billion redevelopment plan proposed by Cuomo, that figure would increase to more than 1 million square feet, with 500,000 square feet of continuous space on one floor. The redevelopment will also increase the amount of meeting room space by five fold.

The plan calls for a four-level, 480,000 square-foot truck garage. Currently, trucks must park on nearby streets if they want to load and unload materials for events at Javits. In addition, the state will install a 34,000 square-foot solar energy array.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2016. No date was provided for when the redevelopment is expected to be complete.

"The Javits Center has long been an economic generator for this state, but we want to build and expand it to ensure it remains a premier venue for the next generation," Cuomo said in a statement. "Through one of the most aggressive development plans in the history of the State of New York, we are transforming one of our largest convention centers into an unparalleled, world-class venue."

Several associations hold trade shows at Javits, including the National Retail Federation, Toy Industry Association and Specialty Food Association.

The governor's office said the $1 billion needed for the expansion would come from "existing resources" but didn't elaborate. http://on.ny.gov/1ZaDdgO

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