Washington Square Partners (WSP) provided advisory services to ENK International (ENK), the premier producer of fashion trade shows, in its search for space when hotels were no longer able to offer enough to meet its needs. WSP coordinated ENK's move from the Plaza Hotel to Piers 88-92 (used for cruise ships and trade shows) and identified Pier 94 as a potential venue to be dedicated to mid-sized trade shows. WSP negotiated the agreement with the NYC Economic Development Corporation permitting the use of Pier 94, with about 130,000 usable square feet of essentially column-free space, as an exclusive trade show venue. WSP coordinated the consultant team and was responsible for obtaining all public approvals. Given the project's waterfront location, the approvals were complex and involved extensive community involvement. Pier 94 is an anomaly among convention centers which are traditionally publicly financed. ENK financed all of the required improvements to the facility.

Pier 94 has proven to be highly successful as a venue both to retain mid-size shows and to draw new shows to New York City. Given Pier 94's history, the City recognized the need for a permanent, larger facility for mid-size trade shows and issued a RFP for a combined Pier 92 and 94 trade and exposition center. WSP has continued to be ENK's advisor as it joined with The Related Companies to respond to the RFP. A City decision is expected in 2007.

KEY ELEMENTS:

• Development Advisory Services
• Public approvals
• Response to RFP