Street view photo of Civic Hall at Union Square. A glass office building with reflections of another tall building on its facade, with traffic lights and crosswalks visible.

Commercial & Residential

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

Video thumbnail showing a diverse group of people smiling and holding a long ribbon during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Civic Hall at Union Square, with NYC buildings visible in the background. Overlaid text reads: Introducing Civic Hall at Union Square.

Investing in Tech Equality

By The Numbers

85K

Square footage dedicated to tech training, support services, events, and meeting space

State-of-the-Art Space

By The Numbers

~500

Total events hosted since its November 2023 launch

Rendering of Union Square Tech Training Center shows modern, open-plan office with glass walls, several people working at desks, conversing in groups, and walking. Large windows let in lots of natural light, creating a bright and collaborative workspace.

Investing in Jobs

By The Numbers

$200K

Annual fund to support training and workforce development opportunities at Civic Hall - The Bernard Goldstein Center

Rendering of Union Square Tech Training Center. Modern open-plan office with large windows, natural light, and city views. People are working at desks with computers, and some are standing or conversing. The space features wood floors, white walls, and plants for decor.

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