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NEW YORK — Jones Lang LaSalle has completed the three-year, $1 billion transformation of Madison Square Garden in New York. The recent renovation is the most significant overhaul of the famous arena since initial construction of the venue in 1968.
The Madison Square Garden Co. (MSG) selected Jones Lang LaSalle’s project and development services group to serve as project manager for the upgrades. The company worked closely with MSG staff to manage the overall strategic plan, master budget and schedule.
“Over the past few years, Madison Square Garden, known as ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena,’ has been completely transformed,” says Raymond Quartararo, who led the JLL team. “The state-of-the-art facility now offers fans, players and entertainers the kind of truly remarkable experience they deserve. JLL strove to ensure that all the work was completed smoothly and discretely while the arena continued to host sporting events, concerts and other entertainment events.”
The upgrades to Madison Square Garden include a new Seventh Avenue entrance, wider concourses, new food and entertainment amenities, more comfortable seating and improved sightlines. The venue also now features a new scoreboard, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, LED video systems and new suites/clubs.
Work on the arena was a year-round project where construction was maximized during three offseason shutdowns after the Knicks and Rangers seasons concluded.
“The most difficult aspect of the work was the need to have Madison Square Garden fully operational each season for the Knicks and Rangers, between each of the three major phases of the renovation project,” says Quartararo. “This was one of the most logistically complex projects JLL has ever completed.”
Ontario-based Brisbin Brook Beynon (BBB Architects) provided architectural and design services for the Madison Square Garden renovation project.
– Brittany Biddy