In the years since it was transformed into public space, Governors Island has been a popular destination for people looking for a more bucolic NYC experience. From the Jazz Age Lawn Party to the Earth Matters NY Compost Learning Center, there’s a lot going on in any given moment- and especially moments between May and October, when most of the Island’s activities are at their peak.
But soon people may be flocking to Governors Island for a whole new reason- to get green workforce training, brainstorm climate innovations and be part of a research and technology accelerator. Once fully operational, the campus is expected to serve 600 postsecondary students, 4,500 K‑12 students, 6,000 workforce trainees, and over 250 faculty and researchers annually while supporting up to 30 businesses through its incubator program.
Solar One is excited to be one of the partner organizations, along with some of our long-term partners like Green City Force, WeACT for Environmental Justice, and the Billion Oyster Project.
The Exchange is part of Governors Island’s Center for Climate Solutions, and will housed on a 400,000 square foot campus including classrooms, laboratories, research labs, public exhibition space, student and faculty housing, university hotel rooms, and auditorium spaces, serving as an inspiring example of sustainable and resilient design. The campus will create 2,200 100% union construction jobs.
The campus will include two newly constructed classroom and research buildings on three acres of the Island’s eastern development zone, as well as the restoration of over 170,000 square feet of space within historic buildings, including Liggett Hall and the Fort Jay Theater, as well as 4.5 acres of new open space in its Phase 1 plan, adding to the Island’s existing 120 acres of open space across the Historic District and South Island Park.
The Exchange is anticipated to begin construction in 2025 and open its first phase in 2028. You can read more on the Governors Island website here.
