Jet Blue Is Looking To Turn The Former TWA Terminal Into A Sleek Hotel

Jet Blue Airways, in partnership with New York-based hotel developer MCR Development LLC, has reportedly emerged as the top bidder for the rights to turn the former Trans World Airlines terminal at JFK into a hotel, reports The Wall Street Journal.

It would be the airline's first-ever hotel, and would open directly across from Jet Blue's Terminal 5.

The standalone terminal, designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen, opened in 1962 and ended operations in 2001. Saarinen is also responsible for projects including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri; the MIT Chapel; and the CBS Building in New York City.

In 2005, the Trans World Flight Center was recognized as part of the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service.

In 2013, hotelier André Balazs won the rights from The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to develop the hotel, but later dropped out. Thus far, Jet Blue and MCR are believed to be the Port Authority's preferred bidder. If the bid is successful, MCR plans to design a 500-room hotel, a source told WSJ.