By The Numbers
85K
Square footage dedicated to tech training, support services, events, and meeting space
Civic Hall - The Bernard Goldstein Center
Location:
Union Square
Project Status:
Completed
Civic Hall - The Bernard Goldstein Center is a first-of-its-kind training and events hub for NYC’s booming tech economy, which now accounts for more than 360,000 jobs across the city.
With 85,000 square feet of state-of-the-art classrooms and event spaces, NYCEDC, The Fedcap Group, and RAL are investing in digital equity and economic mobility for all New Yorkers—by breaking down traditional barriers within the tech sector and providing workforce development opportunities for diverse and underserved communities.
Civic Hall is advancing technology for the public good—bringing together educators, entrepreneurs, and employers to use innovation as a force for opportunity.
Christine McMahon
President and CEO, The Fedcap Group
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Video Transcript
00:02 [Interior of Civic Hall at Union Square, followed by photo of ribbon-cutting ceremony. Onscreen text: “Introducing Civic Hall at Union Square.”] [Music.]
00:03 [Images of students in Civic Hall classrooms. Onscreen text: “A first-of-its-kind hub for tech training and events.”] [Music.]
00:06 [A large modern interior space conveys the scale of the facility. Onscreen text: “85,000 square feet of space.”] [Music.]
00:10 [Civic Hall students talking to instructors and engaging with technology. Onscreen text: “Opening up tech opportunities for all New Yorkers.”] [Music.]
00:14 [Exterior of Civic Hall. Onscreen text: “Learn more at edc.nyc/civic-hall.”] [Music.]
00:17 [Exterior of Civic Hall building shows entrance at Union Square and building signage. NYCEDC and Civic Hall at Union Square logos are overlaid on the screen. The text “a member of THE FEDCAP GROUP” is displayed in smaller font on the bottom right of Civic Hall logo.] [Music.]
Investing in Tech Equality
State-of-the-Art Space
By The Numbers
~500
Total events hosted since its November 2023 launch
Investing in Jobs
By The Numbers
$200K
Annual fund to support training and workforce development opportunities at Civic Hall - The Bernard Goldstein Center
Technology Training
By The Numbers
~4,500
Students trained through workforce development organizations since opening
By The Numbers
92%
Graduation rate of students participating in training programs (2024-2025)
By The Numbers
~93,000
Visitors to The Bernard Goldstein Center at Union Square (2024-2025)
By The Numbers
85K
Square footage dedicated to tech training, support services, events, and meeting space
Investing in Jobs
By The Numbers
~4,500
Students trained through workforce development organizations since opening
State-of-the-Art Space
By The Numbers
$200K
Annual fund to support training and workforce development opportunities at Civic Hall - The Bernard Goldstein Center
By The Numbers
92%
Graduation rate of students participating in training programs (2024-2025)
By The Numbers
~500
Total events hosted since its November 2023 launch
Technology Training
By The Numbers
~93,000
Visitors to The Bernard Goldstein Center at Union Square (2024-2025)
The vision for Civic Hall is to be the connective hub for the tech workforce development community in New York, and ultimately, to help the tech sector grow and diversify.
Since its launch in November 2023, Civic Hall has welcomed nearly 93,000 visitors at Union Square—who have attended approximately 500 total events, including almost 190 community gatherings and 30 job fairs. During the past few years, Civic Hall has engaged over 8,500 community event attendees, connected more than 1,800 job seekers through hiring fairs, and trained nearly 4,500 students, with an impressive 92% graduation rate in 2025—up from 80% in 2024.
Many of the training programs come at no cost or are offered at low, affordable rates to ensure that all New Yorkers can pursue their educational and professional goals without the burden of financial strain. And tenant organizations receive access to an array of capacity-building resources, including community-driven marketing and outreach, industry connections, collaborative fundraising opportunities, and a comprehensive suite of support services designed to bolster the success of their students.
History of Zero Irving
In November 2015, NYCEDC launched a request for proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of 124 East 14th Street in Manhattan and encouraged responses that supported the development of 21st century workforce skills, created a high density of quality jobs per square foot, and/or promoted the formation of next-generation companies and industries in New York City. Additional goals included provisions for services or neighborhood amenities that help to ensure New Yorkers’ access to economic mobility. RAL Companies, a family-owned-and-operated development firm, was selected as the winner in 2017 in partnership with Civic Hall to create a tech hub at Union Square that would provide space for tech worker training, education, startups, and convening.
Now called Zero Irving, the property is a dynamic and engaging office building, which includes:
- Civic Hall workforce development space
- Event and conference center operated by Civic Hall with dedicated access to 14th Street
- Premier office space including flexible space for emerging and maturing startups
- Time Out Market food hall with 25% of booths reserved for first-time entrepreneurs or new businesses
- Tenant amenities including rooftop access and fitness facilities
Learn More
Host events, register for classes, become a member, offer a training program, hire participants, and more.
Visit:
CivicHall.org
Want to get involved in building NYC’s tech workforce?
Visit:
Contact Us
Learn more about NYCEDC’s initiatives to enrich New York City’s tech ecosystem.
Visit:
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