Long Island City Development

[jrosa51894]

i will tell you one thing it"s beautiful

[Peakrate212]

looks good......glass seems to work well....but I dont like the blank sides..have you seen the new tower next to Citicorp in LIC....it has one blank side (facing the city skyline of all things) as if they built it against another lot....in LIC, they couldnt buy the air rights? crazy

[jrosa51894]

That wall you are mentioning is a temp wall for the 30+ Stories that are going to be built attached to that building, i hear they are waiting to straighten out the Con ED power problems first then reopen the building and finish up. It"s two phases the first phase is 16 stories then the tower portion will be built later.

[clubBR]

Anyone know about "The Ravel" boutique hotel? Rates?

[clubBR]

What's Selling in Williamsburg?

Monday, February 19, 2007, by Joey

http://www.curbed.com/2007_2_maspeth.jpg
No, really. With all these new developments springing up in the 'Burg, it's hard to keep tabs on what's actually selling like PBR at a Northsix show (R.I.P. (http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2007/01/tonights_norths.html)). Apparently one hot commodity is the little-known Maspeth Condos. Built on Maspeth Avenue somewhere in the East Williamsburg/Bushwick grey area, this new construction has 24 units that went on sale last week—20 of which now have accepted offers. So how-in-the-name-of-2004 did that happen? Well, one-bedrooms were priced starting at $355,000, and the seller is paying all closing costs. The down payments are only $10,000, and the common charges and taxes on most units come in under $200 per month. Talk about homebuying for hipsters (http://www.curbed.com/archives/2007/01/23/hipsters_still_need_help.php)! The Maspeth Condos (http://www.themaspeth.com/index.cfm?page=details&id=1009) website didn't even launch until a couple days ago, and now the only units left are some penthouses. One of the sales associates, after taking some shots at other Williamsburg developments for their pricing, said "That's part of the 'wow' factor for this. We set up a pre-sale, thinking 20-30% may get offers, but we wound up selling 85% of the building in just 6-7 days." A happy accident, surely.

Any condos starting at around $355,000 with down payments of only $10,000 in L.I.C.??? I would definitely buy into that.

[Peakrate212]

What's Selling in Williamsburg?

Monday, February 19, 2007, by Joey

http://www.curbed.com/2007_2_maspeth.jpg
No, really. With all these new developments springing up in the 'Burg, it's hard to keep tabs on what's actually selling like PBR at a Northsix show (R.I.P. (http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2007/01/tonights_norths.html)). Apparently one hot commodity is the little-known Maspeth Condos. Built on Maspeth Avenue somewhere in the East Williamsburg/Bushwick grey area, this new construction has 24 units that went on sale last week—20 of which now have accepted offers. So how-in-the-name-of-2004 did that happen? Well, one-bedrooms were priced starting at $355,000, and the seller is paying all closing costs. The down payments are only $10,000, and the common charges and taxes on most units come in under $200 per month. Talk about homebuying for hipsters (http://www.curbed.com/archives/2007/01/23/hipsters_still_need_help.php)! The Maspeth Condos (http://www.themaspeth.com/index.cfm?page=details&id=1009) website didn't even launch until a couple days ago, and now the only units left are some penthouses. One of the sales associates, after taking some shots at other Williamsburg developments for their pricing, said "That's part of the 'wow' factor for this. We set up a pre-sale, thinking 20-30% may get offers, but we wound up selling 85% of the building in just 6-7 days." A happy accident, surely.


Any condos starting at around $355,000 with down payments of only $10,000 in L.I.C.??? I would definitely buy into that.



it would be nice if the above units were in Williamsburg too....but they are in Bushwick....for similiar LIC deal, please see Jamaica.

[Peakrate212]

That wall you are mentioning is a temp wall for the 30+ Stories that are going to be built attached to that building, i hear they are waiting to straighten out the Con ED power problems first then reopen the building and finish up. It"s two phases the first phase is 16 stories then the tower portion will be built later.

Thank you for the correction....should be fun to work on those floors when they later "reopen" the building.

[kyle]

not rpice-wise, but it looks like the Galaxy in LIC.

Growing up in Maspeth, I never thought they'd name a building with 'Maspeth' in it. :) That's how you know the RE market has peaked...backwater neighborhoods are getting buildings named after them.

[clubBR]

Is the area directly above Queens Blvd, east of 21st St. a residential area?
Any one know of any $350,000 with $10,000 down payment condos/co-ops in the Sunnyside, Astoria, LIC area?

[krulltime]

I guess they just find out. :rolleyes:


Second skyscraper for LIC?


http://www.therealdeal.net//breaking_news/2007/02/22/images/9003.jpg


February 22, 2007

For years, Citigroup's 48-story Long Island City tower has been the only skyscraper in the Queens commercial district, but it may eventually get some company.

Tishman Speyer Properties is developing an office building for Citigroup called Court Square Two that could grow to 38 stories, or 600 feet tall, just shy of the finance giant's nearby tower. According to documents uncovered by The Real Deal, the site is zoned for 1.2 million square feet, and a rendering prepared by the skyscraper's architect shows the building rising almost 40 stories.

Tishman Speyer has said, however, that they only plan to build 16 stories and 486,000 square feet. A spokesman for Tishman Speyer claimed he wasn't aware of the zoning for the site, but the Web site for the tower's structural engineer, WSP Cantor Seinuk, says a second phase of the tower would bring it to 38 stories. It appears the current plan for the building only calls for finishing the first phase of construction; a representative for the architect, Kohn Pedersen Fox, echoed Tishman Speyer, saying the tower is only being constructed to 16 stories.

The time may not be right for a huge tower in western Queens. For decades, Long Island City has been slated to be the city's fourth commercial center, after Midtown and Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, but the district has never quite lived up to its promise. The latest blow to the area came in December, when Metropolitan Life Insurance announced its plans to move the bulk of its operations from Long Island City, where it had relocated in 2001, back to Manhattan.

Still, there is some new office development taking place in Long Island City, with developers looking to attract tenants that can't afford Manhattan's ever-pricier office space.


Copyright © 2003-2007 The Real Deal.

[lofter1]

I guess they just find out. :rolleyes:

... According to documents uncovered by The Real Deal, the site is zoned for 1.2 million square feet, and a rendering prepared by the skyscraper's architect shows the building rising almost 40 stories.


Real Deal could at least have the decency to give credit to all you guys here at wny who have been talking about this for months :cool:

[jrosa51894]

Hey guy"s when they start the second phase i will let you know. if you see my prior posts you know what"s going on there.

[Jaffster]

That article makes me even more skeptical about the phase II part. I just don't see them going through with it.

[kyle]

Phase ll tower ain't happening.

[jrosa51894]

This is for Jaffster and Kyle on the subject of Court square 2. you haven't visited the site so you can't comment on what's going on. When the problems with con-ed are resolved and the second tower is built i will remind you of your comments and lunch will be served. So let's start the next LIC topic of interest.

But one thing i can say is:
Never argue with an idiot they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience :) Next topic please

[clubBR]

Hows the crime and prositution along Queens Plaza? I read they installed hundreds of cameras at the Queensbridge and Ravenswoods projects. Any new methods used by police?

[kyle]

jrojas,

al gore's movie won an oscar...so is it liberal crap...or the reality we live in...and our children will live (and die) in?

:)

[Derek2k3]

The new Avalon is terrible.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/387399280_137455803b.jpg
valvados (http://www.flickr.com/photos/valvados/387399280/in/pool-curbed/)
Larger size (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=387399280&size=o&context=pool-18964236@N00)

[jrosa51894]

clubBRHows the crime and prositution along Queens Plaza? I read they installed hundreds of cameras at the Queensbridge and Ravenswoods projects. Any new methods used by police?

Crime is down dramatically (Check 108th pct records) haven't seen any prositution in years. with all the new devlopments and the new bid keeping things clean LIC is getting better and better.

[jrosa51894]

kylejrojas,

AL gore's movie won an oscar...so is it liberal crap...or the reality we live in...and our children will live (and die) in?



OK This is not a political board so we should change the subject but just for giggles I'll play on this one to answer your question. Liberal actors, liberal media and they award another tree hugger an Oscar go figure? :rolleyes:

"

[clubBR]

What are the public parks in and around LIC, Astoria, Sunnyside?

[clubBR]

Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, Queens
http://z.about.com/d/queens/1/0/P/2/gantry3.jpg
http://queens.about.com/od/parks/p/gantry_park.htm

[jrosa51894]

Club Starting in june/july they will be making a park right in the heart of queens plaza also.:)

[jrosa51894]

i went to see the new 10-50 jackson ave building sales office today and wow! another awesome building going up in LIC and on the first day they sold 16 in 4 hours!

[ramvid01]

amol-licnyc-y on Flickr
March 11, 2007
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/418009451_a2de90c7f9.jpg?v=0

[sfenn1117]

So who knows more about this nearly 700 foot tall building?

http://mehandeseng.com/projects.asp?proid=16

http://i17.tinypic.com/30c16p3.jpg

Client: Scarano and Associate Architects
Location: Long Island City, New York
Size: 400,000 square feet


Project Highlights: Just 15 minutes from Grand Central Terminal, Tower 56 houses 270 luxurious Manhattan condominiums. An extension of midtown Manhattan, this up-and-coming residential neighborhood is ideally located for commuters who desire a quick subway ride to their offices and their homes. This 50 story high-end residential building boasts panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. State-of-the-art amenities include a swimming pool with retractable dome, a running track, and a spa and fitness center. Mehandes Engineering provided full MEP/FP services for this new development.

Design Considerations:
The design for Tower 56 called for elevated ceiling heights with full height window walls that maximize the panoramic views outside. To achieve this, the mechanical design incorporates vertical heat pump units that require no ductwork, thus keeping the ceilings high and clear. The units’ small footprints make it possible for the heat pump to be tucked away in any corner without disturbing spatial harmony.

Due to the building height of close to 700 feet, the exhaust risers sizes began to encroach on the architectural design. By dividing the building into upper and lower sections—each serviced by a dedicated set of exhaust fans—the shaft space requirements are nearly halved, providing more usable space at every floor.

Domestic water is heated by the space heating boilers through supply and return circulation loops, to indirect fired, storage water heaters. Domestic distribution piping temperatures are maintained through a zoned high-rise recirculation system that was invented by Mehandes Engineering’s Plumbing Director, Robert H. Thompson.

[macreator]

Pretty weird looking, although the height is quite respectable for LIC.

[macreator]

amol-licnyc-y on Flickr
March 11, 2007
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/418009451_a2de90c7f9.jpg?v=0

Beautiful curve and glass. It's just too bad it wasn't built as tall as was initially planned. Hopefully someday there will be enough demand for office space in LIC to make finishing the building economically feasible.

[ramvid01]

So who knows more about this nearly 700 foot tall building?

http://mehandeseng.com/projects.asp?proid=16

http://i17.tinypic.com/30c16p3.jpg

Client: Scarano and Associate Architects
Location: Long Island City, New York
Size: 400,000 square feet


Project Highlights: Just 15 minutes from Grand Central Terminal, Tower 56 houses 270 luxurious Manhattan condominiums. An extension of midtown Manhattan, this up-and-coming residential neighborhood is ideally located for commuters who desire a quick subway ride to their offices and their homes. This 50 story high-end residential building boasts panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. State-of-the-art amenities include a swimming pool with retractable dome, a running track, and a spa and fitness center. Mehandes Engineering provided full MEP/FP services for this new development.

Design Considerations:
The design for Tower 56 called for elevated ceiling heights with full height window walls that maximize the panoramic views outside. To achieve this, the mechanical design incorporates vertical heat pump units that require no ductwork, thus keeping the ceilings high and clear. The units’ small footprints make it possible for the heat pump to be tucked away in any corner without disturbing spatial harmony.

Due to the building height of close to 700 feet, the exhaust risers sizes began to encroach on the architectural design. By dividing the building into upper and lower sections—each serviced by a dedicated set of exhaust fans—the shaft space requirements are nearly halved, providing more usable space at every floor.

Domestic water is heated by the space heating boilers through supply and return circulation loops, to indirect fired, storage water heaters. Domestic distribution piping temperatures are maintained through a zoned high-rise recirculation system that was invented by Mehandes Engineering’s Plumbing Director, Robert H. Thompson.

Looks like an older proposal that they added more floors. Although it only has about 33 floors (from what I counted) it probably has double height floors. I think this is just north or south of Queens Plaza.

[antinimby]

Great, a nearly 700-footer in Queens and it's gotta be blocky.

Why can't we get something tall and pretty for once? Too much to ask for, I guess.

Anyway, I think this one's got a snowball's chance in hell of getting past the NIMBYs.

[lofter1]

Let's add Scarano to the list of untouchables: Poon, Kaufman, O'Hara

[kyle]

Is this what is supposed to go where the parking gargage is right off Queens Plaza?

[sfenn1117]

Let's add Scarano to the list of untouchables: Poon, Kaufman, O'Hara

Not even close. Scarano is probably the top architect in Brooklyn, along with Karl Fischer. They are basically the two saving graces in Brooklyn's building boom.

[ramvid01]

Is this what is supposed to go where the parking gargage is right off Queens Plaza?

No, this is not the garage spot. The garage is loacted right off Jackson Avenue and Queens Boulevard. This one is on Pearson Street a few blocks to its south around the area of citicorp and aris.

Link to area:
http://www.google.com/maps?q=New+York,+NY&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title

[antinimby]

How do you know and how likely will this get built?

[ramvid01]

How do you know and how likely will this get built?

Well if you click on sfenns link to the page he got the information from, youll see right above the description it says Pearson street. Also if i recall, this is the same development proposed at least 2 yrs ago with the same design, except its taller now. As for the likely hood of this getting built, well that I would not know.

[antinimby]

^ Thanks. That's what I get for not clicking I guess.

Not even close. Scarano is probably the top architect in Brooklyn, along with Karl Fischer. They are basically the two saving graces in Brooklyn's building boom.I agree. His works are generally very attractive with perhaps only a few exceptions.

They bring some much needed modernity to otherwise drab, nondescript Brooklyn and Queens residential blocks.

[ramvid01]

Project #1

45-56 Pearson Street
20 stories
Scarano & Associates Architects
Dev-Rosma Development
Residential Condominium
120 units
Proposed July 2005-Late 2006

http://www.nydailynews.com/ips_rich_content/597-building.JPG
Preliminary rendering by Scarano Architects of condominium project at 45-56 Pearson St. near Queens West waterfront.


Condo craze building
in Long Island City

Daily News Exclusive
http://www.nydailynews.com/business/story/292477p-250402c.html

By LORE CROGHAN
DAILY NEWS BUSINESS WRITER

The heart of Long Island City is finally going condo.

In a move that could touch off a wave of apartment construction, a Brooklyn condo developer bought the first major building site sold since the 37-block Queens industrial area was rezoned in mid-2001.

The developer is one of a host of builders from hot residential enclaves like Williamsburg who are looking for a new frontier.

"I see a very good opportunity in Long Island City," Mark Junger of Rosma Development told the Daily News. "I think it's going to be a hot neighborhood."

He paid $16.5 million for the site at 45-56 Pearson St. - where he's going to construct a 20-story "Manhattan-style building,"he said.

Until now, big residential projects have hugged the Queens West waterfront. The new condo tower will be further inland, off Jackson Avenue.

Junger's luxury tower will have fancy touches like a swimming pool with a retractable dome, a running track on one roof of the building, and a garden on another.

There will be 120 condos of varying sizes, from one-bedroom units to big penthouses. He plans to break ground by July, and spend the following year and a half building the project. The site now consists of a warehouse and parking lot.

It's too soon to set apartment prices, but Junger anticipates they'll run around $600 to $700 per square foot - comparable to condo rates in sought-after Williamsburg.

He expects to attract buyers who work in Manhattan - it's about a 15-minute subway ride to Grand Central Terminal.

Most of the 15 bidders for the development site wanted to build condos, and the rest were planning rental apartments, said Jeffrey Troy of Eastern Consolidated, the sale broker with colleagues Alan Miller and Louis Ricci.

Junger paid about $92 per buildable square foot for the site. As demand for sites in the nabe heats up, it will be hard to find land for less than $100 per buildable square foot, Eastern brokers predicted.

Still, that's not as high as Williamsburg land prices, which are approaching $150 per square foot.

Several Long Island City sites are now in play - Junger himself's going after one.

Originally published on March 23, 2005

Oh yea, this is the project that sfenn found. Sadly the picture is not up anymore, but its basically the same design, except this one is taller.

[sfenn1117]

It is the same design....I have no clue whether it's a legitimate proposal or not, but I thought it was interesting enough to post. Nothing showed up on the DOB site.

And yes, Scarano does nice modern designs. Of course not all his buildings are great, but a majority are. Even with his less than great designs, I credit him for trying, unlike any architect who throws up a Fedders building.

[Derek2k3]

It sounds like a legitimate proposal being that Mehandes Engineering recently updated their site, but the rendering is the same-just blown up. That thing would be the width of MetLife if it were 700'. Perhaps this design change is the reason construction has been delayed for so long.


Here is the original permit from '05 (http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobDetailsServlet?requestid=2&allisn=0001234111&allboroughname=&allnumbhous=&allstrt=), nothing new has been filed since May '06 though.

Tower 56
45-56 Pearson Street
50 stories ~700 feet
Scarano & Associates Architects
Dev-Rosma Development
Residential Condominium
270 units 400,000 Sq. Ft.
Proposed

I attatched the old renderings. The first is from the Daily News article, the second is what Mehandes Engineering had posted on its website before, and the last two are from Scarano's website. This will be their biggest project by far.

[Derek2k3]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/424235221_3f07698481_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/420591279_7d505c3c1c_o.jpg
Atomische.com (http://www.flickr.com/photos/atomische/420591279/)

[ramvid01]

I'm sort of excited to see this one go up. its very much different from the stuff that is going up on the waterfront, and it also seems not to have above ground parking (thank god). And it will add to the little skyline thats starting to form around citicorp. :)

[tmg]

Are any specific plans in the works for the site sharing the eastern wall of the U.N. Credit Union? That blank cinderblock wall is really ugly.

[ramvid01]

Are any specific plans in the works for the site sharing the eastern wall of the U.N. Credit Union? That blank cinderblock wall is really ugly.

I believe they are building a residential of about 16 floors right behind it. I believe jrosas said somewhere in this thread that they were. Not sure though who would be the developer or anything.

[jrosa51894]

Rockrose owns the lot behind the building and once that little 6 story building is ripped down they will be be building a 16-22 story building. this is what i was told by a rep from rockrose when they visited the site last year

[pianoman11686]

Has anyone heard of Shvo's new project in this area? I recently skimmed through a magazine article in FastCompany that talked about it. Apparently it's supposed to be much bigger than the Rockrose development, and much more high profile (in design, height, and price).

[ablarc]

... from Scarano's website. This will be their biggest project by far.
They're much better at small.





Proliferation and stacking of small doesn't yield a satisfactory big.

[ramvid01]

Has anyone heard of Shvo's new project in this area? I recently skimmed through a magazine article in FastCompany that talked about it. Apparently it's supposed to be much bigger than the Rockrose development, and much more high profile (in design, height, and price).

There doesn't seem to be any renderings on their site. But it looks to be 4 towers and over 2000 units or so with one having ove 800 so its a big time project. They have it listed under 2007 so maybe well see some movement on it this year?

Mentions the project:http://biz.yahoo.com/fastco/070307/fc1170685300991.html?.v=1

[antinimby]

Rockrose owns the lot behind the building and once that little 6 story building is ripped down they will be be building a 16-22 story building.Please tell me they're NOT tearing this little red building down. :mad:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/117/291841134_45313255e9.jpg

[jrosa51894]

yes they are. it"s the last 2-3 people that they are getting rid of i heard they made the last tenants some amazing offers but they think their going to win lotto. stupid people they should have taken the best offer and ran with the cash:eek:

[antinimby]

NO!!!!

That is a little gem in a sea of eyesore garages and warehouses. It must be saved.

F**kin' Rockrose. :mad: :mad:

[Derek2k3]

There doesn't seem to be any renderings on their site. But it looks to be 4 tours and over 2000 units or so with one having ove 800 so its a big time project. They have it listed under 2007 so maybe well see some movement on it this year?

Mentions the project:http://biz.yahoo.com/fastco/070307/fc1170685300991.html?.v=1

Do you or anyone else know the exact sites for this development or any of Shvo's other LIC projects?



FastCompany.com
Shvo Motion (http://biz.yahoo.com/fastco/070307/fc1170685300991.html?.v=1)

And then there's Long Island City--Shvo's own personal Tomorrowland. It's a chilly December night, and we're back in his car, moving slowly over the Queensborough Bridge into Manhattan. It's warm and dark in the back seat, when Shvo starts murmuring sweet nothings into my tape recorder. "The beauty is that Long Island City has no brand, it's nothing. And nothing is a great place to start," he says, his passion rising. He wants nothing more than to rebrand the place, he says, starting with a skyline worthy of Chicago. Boat slips. Parks. Cafés, supermarkets, schools. "Here, I can put up the most beautiful building in the world, and it's not just another building in a busy skyline. Here, I can create anything I want!"

Five years from now, he says, "we'll sit on the Manhattan side and say, 'My God, look at this. It's pretty damn cool."


The Real Deal
Long Island City/Woodside (http://www.therealdeal.net/issues/DECEMBER_2006/1164919559.php)

Shvo Marketing's president, Michael Shvo, said he is excited about the five condo projects he said his company is working on in Long Island City. "There is nothing that is that virgin-like [in terms of land], like Long Island City," he said.

Shvo said the projects have not yet been submitted to the attorney general, but said plans involve a building on a 1-million-square-foot waterfront parcel, a conversion plus construction of 600,000 square feet near Queens Boulevard, and two buildings off of Jackson Street, one 350,000 square feet and the other 280,000 feet. It was too premature, Shvo said, to discuss the fifth development. A grocer may take space in one of the buildings, which would be the first supermarket to come to the neighborhood, although Long Island City is the headquarters for the online grocer Fresh Direct.

[Derek2k3]

New York Buisness:
July 18, 2005

Rockrose plans huge development in Queens
Rockrose Development Corp. is proposing construction of a residential high rise in Long Island City, Queens, that would be the largest condominium in the five boroughs, according to sources.

The building, which would be designed by architect Thomas Phifer, could be built at the Queens West site where the Olympic Village for the 2012 Summer Games had been proposed.

The Queens West Development Corp., a state-run body overseeing the 74-acre parcel, earlier this month began a study examining development possibilities for the site. It says no decision will be made until the study is completed in the fall.

Is there an exact site for this tower yet? Here's a vague rendering fom Thomas Phifer & Partners. If each of those divisions occur ever 20 stories, this would be a 60+ story project. Watch out J.C..

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/425563124_29a627ff8a_o.jpg
Thomas Phifer & Partners
http://www.tphifer.com/

[antinimby]

More banality from Rockrose. ^ That base looks scary. I'm starting to really hate them.

[Derek2k3]

I despise their 2 Gold Street. Thier Queens West East Coast project looks okay, maybe it's just because AvalonBay's towers are so bad though.

[JCMAN320]

Nice lookin tower lets see if it gets built. I really don't like the base though it looks so dull and empty. it looks almost like they are trying to do a crude imitation of the Liberty National Towers at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City, u/c this summer, just with out the harmoniess curviture of the building. It looks to broken up IMO.

[ramvid01]

It would be sad to see the little red building to go, but if that parking lot goes with it too, then its not a complete loss. Plus the first floor of the red building has been completely stripped of any resemblance of the top floors (for as long as I remember). Theres also a very similar building just 2 blocks to the west of Citicorp tower that seems to be in better shape than this one.

[Peakrate212]

Has anyone heard of Shvo's new project in this area? I recently skimmed through a magazine article in FastCompany that talked about it. Apparently it's supposed to be much bigger than the Rockrose development, and much more high profile (in design, height, and price).

Is he building it or marketing it?

[infoshare]

Is he building it or marketing it?

Shvo is (I think?) a real estate broker......who eventually became a 'celebrity real estate broker' - and now is a marketing/brokerage firm (http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showpost.php?p=153837&postcount=71). I guess a visit to the company web site would tell the story better than I can. :mad:

[clubBR]

what is the current crime rate in LIC?

[jrosa51894]

Crime is down alot in LIC 108 pct to be exact

[pianoman11686]

Is he building it or marketing it?

From what I remember, he's building and marketing. It's thoroughly his project. Wish I had more info.

[pianoman11686]

it looks almost like they are trying to do a crude imitation of the Liberty National Towers at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City

I can't tell if this was said out of arrogance, sarcasm, sheer stupidity, or a combination of the three. But it sounds ridiculous.

[kyle]

That image is dated from a 2005 press release, no? Late last year they announced that that part of queenswest mentioned in the release would become the middle income affordable housing, so that info is dated.

[sfenn1117]

One thing is for sure, there are a bunch of upcoming projects, known and unknown, that will give Long Island City a very reputable skyline. Let's get them done as fast as possible before a NIMBY coalition is even able to form.

The gang at Queens West found the permit for Karl Fischer's "Queen's Plaza."

http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobDetailsServlet?requestid=1&allisn=0001277599&allboroughname=&allnumbhous=&allstrt=

[ramvid01]

I wonder why it was denied. I'm pretty sure this was the residential with the rounded top. Curious to know why he hasnt filed another application. Maybe this one is dead? (since its not on his website anymore, and I swear I saw it there a few weeks back)

[sfenn1117]

It still is....go to news and then upcoming projects.

It's currently idle but I wouldn't call it dead yet.

[ramvid01]

It still is....go to news and then upcoming projects.

It's currently idle but I wouldn't call it dead yet.

Oh my bad, I guess I didn't search his site enough.

[antinimby]

The gang at Queens West found the permit for Karl Fischer's "Queen's Plaza."
http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/JobDetailsServlet?requestid=1&allisn=0001277599&allboroughname=&allnumbhous=&allstrt= Here's the rendering for this one.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8399/queensplaza8bt.jpg

[jrosa51894]

once the queens plaza park is underway i bet the attention will be redirected to this building again corner of jackson & queens plaza south you can't beat the location:cool:

[antinimby]

So this Karl Fischer project is dependent on the rehab of Queens Plaza park first?

[jrosa51894]

No it's not dependent on it because the park will be built starting this summer, however it will aid with attracting new companies to the plaza and more building

[ramvid01]

Walked by the neighborhood today, and noticed there was about 5 buildings under construction in the immediate area of the Avalon Bay II building. Apprently they are covering up the blank wall with cinder blocks and there seems to be room for a store. So apparently it will not be a blank wall for long. But that parking lot sure seems pretty drab. Seems like something you'd see at Roosevelt Field Mall.

[antinimby]

The Roosevelt Field Mall had a good excuse - it was built back in the 1950's.

We're in 2007, these new buildings don't have any excuse for such bad designs.

[jrosa51894]

I think the only reason why they did that is because they could not replace all that contaminated soil and also what about a flood? it would most likely wipe out the garage if a good cat storm hit

[lofter1]

Doesn't justify ^^^ the horrid blank boxes that they are putting up.

Maybe the gang responsible for this POS haven't heard about it, but there is a thing called design / architecture ...

[kyle]

I think it's an above ground garage b/c of the high water table this close to the East River, but not sure.

I hear that Avalon Bay ll will have townhouses...that's what they're building now.

[ramvid01]

I think it's an above ground garage b/c of the high water table this close to the East River, but not sure.

I hear that Avalon Bay ll will have townhouses...that's what they're building now.

So it's townhouses eh. Well I guess thats more to scale with the street, but that parking lot is unforgiveable. Personally I feel that parking should be limited. I mean I understand that parking there is hell (first hand experience), but your just encouraging more people to drive. Its a never ending cycle.

[ablarc]

that parking lot is unforgiveable.
Where there are parking lots there is no city, therefore no urban life.

All places with parking lots are in Suburbia. That includes places in Manhattan, where the patch of Suburbia is exactly as big as the parking lot.

When construction of new parking lots is banned, rational habitat will gradually return, and we'll be on our way to solving myriad problems, including global warming.

The main problem we'll be left with is a parking problem. That's easier to survive than war in Iraq, obesity, et al.

* * *


The problem is not parking; the problem is parking lots. Underground parking is OK and so are above-ground garages if they have ground-floor retail (and preferably mechanical ventilation with glass windows).

[antinimby]

This little discussion about parking lots makes me think about a NY Sun article (http://www.nysun.com/article/48536) just last month about a proposal to redevelop a diner and an adjacent surface lot. It's still fresh on my mind.

Anyway, in it a Manhattan NIMBY, believe it or not, griped about the lost of parking lots.

Mr. Anton described the western part of SoHo as "in my mind, a more attractive place to live" than the center of SoHo, which can be crowded on the weekends. He said that being a little bit on the edge of SoHo is very attractive. Mr. Sweeney said he is concerned about a continuing trend of losing parking spaces and adding buildings with more residents.

[ramvid01]

Where there are parking lots there is no city, therefore no urban life.

All places with parking lots are in Suburbia. That includes places in Manhattan, where the patch of Suburbia is exactly as big as the parking lot.

When construction of new parking lots is banned, rational habitat will gradually return, and we'll be on our way to solving myriad problems, including global warming.

The main problem we'll be left with is a parking problem. That's easier to survive than war in Iraq, obesity, et al.

* * *


The problem is not parking; the problem is parking lots. Underground parking is OK and so are above-ground garages if they have ground-floor retail (and preferably mechanical ventilation with glass windows).


Well, I meant parking garage. No clue why I said parking lot. Oops.

[ablarc]

Well, I meant parking garage.
Glad to hear it. The garage is a horror, but a lot would have been fatal.

[antinimby]

There is a teeny bit of a bright side to the parking lot.

It can be redeveloped much more easily than a garage.

[jrosa51894]

Anybody got a pic or info on the new building on purves street and jackson right on the corner of jackson next to the autoparts place. also there are two projects on 43rd ave that should be underway on 43rd but have not lifted off yet any info

[jrosa51894]

:) hey does anybody know if these four condo developments are sold out yet?

[shocka]

:) hey does anybody know if these four condo developments are sold out yet?

Fusion, no, http://fusionlic.com/availabilities/
Arris, no, http://arrislofts.com/availability_01.php
View59, no, http://www.thedevelopersgroup.com/buildings/building.aspx?buildingid=1079
Purves, Yes! I think this was sold out even before Gantry was, http://corcoran.com/property/nd/detail_listings.asp?ndevid=205

[shocka]

Wow I have never seen a parking garage cause people so much grief and anger. Realy who cares, I for one am glad they are building a garage, parking is going to get even worse.

I guess you guys must HATE rockrose for their upcoming ridiculous mutli-tier lot, from the looks of it seems like 8-9 floors!

[ramvid01]

Wow I have never seen a parking garage cause people so much grief and anger. Realy who cares, I for one am glad they are building a garage, parking is going to get even worse.

I guess you guys must HATE rockrose for their upcoming ridiculous mutli-tier lot, from the looks of it seems like 8-9 floors!

Its that kind of thinking that has us where we are. Sure, you don't care that they built a parking garage, but maybe you care for a lively cityscape? At least the rockrose parking garage has retail on the ground floor as the models show it having, but this parking garage adds nothing to the street and deadens the area.

[clubBR]

Its that kind of thinking that has us where we are. Sure, you don't care that they built a parking garage, but maybe you care for a lively cityscape? At least the rockrose parking garage has retail on the ground floor as the models show it having, but this parking garage adds nothing to the street and deadens the area.
im sure new things will be built around it

[jrosa51894]

with all the new developments set to open in the next couple of months the influx of people in LIC will be huge. i wonder how the stores or future stores in the area will handle the influx of patrons and will we see a supermarket?:)

[jrosa51894]

Hey Shocka

THANKS for the links, Going by whats on the sites there are only a handfull left. i wonder what new buildings are planned?

[clubBR]

jrosa, know any happenings about the Silver Cup Studios along the waterfront?
http://archrecord.construction.com/news/images/060309silvercup_1sm.jpghttp://archrecord.construction.com/news/images/060309silvercup_2sm.jpg
http://www.licnyc.com/2007/03/pritzker_prize_to_one_of_lics.html

[jrosa51894]

They are delayed until spring of next year i heard. This stupid power thing with Con-Ed is really serious it's hurting the growth in our area for some major projects

[antinimby]

jrosa, you are right about Con Ed. They are definitely an evil empire. Read this article (http://wirednewyork.com/forum/showpost.php?p=157664&postcount=1942).

It basically says that while some developers have tried new technology that will allow their buildings to get off Con Ed's electric grid (to lessen the demand on Con Ed) but Con Ed are trying to delay and stifle the developers' efforts.

So basically, they want everyone to depend on them for electricity but then they can't satisfy the growing demand. What kind of greedy logic is that?

Watch, come summer and we get five days in a row of 95°+ days and there'll be another power outage. Con Ed is a criminal company.

[jrosa51894]

Anti I couldn't agree with you more. Funny huh manhattan has little power problems but we get screwed. So with all this demand for commercial real estate taking manhattan levels to new heights ,LIC get screwed.

[antinimby]

^ But that is what some of the developers in Manhattan are trying to do: generating their own power so there's less demand placed on the city's electric grid...but Con Ed is trying their best to derail these efforts because they're greedy.

Con Ed is the bad guy.

[jrosa51894]

Let"s list the Big projects that Con-ed is delaying in LIC

1.Silvercup studio's

2.Phase 2 of Court square 2

3. ?????????

[clubBR]

Ambient & Consolidated Edison Launch New R & D Efforts Underground in Manhattan
Wednesday April 11, 8:15 am ET Network Monitoring and Communications Platform to be Further Evaluated
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=abtg.ob&d=t) - News (http://finance.yahoo.com/q/h?s=abtg.ob)), a leader in Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) solutions, announced today that it will install its second generation BPL equipment on the underground electric system of Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc. (NYSE: ED (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=ed&d=t) - News (http://finance.yahoo.com/q/h?s=ed)).


Successful completion of the research and development demonstration would allow Con Edison to further evaluate on a larger scale Ambient's BPL System for monitoring the underground distribution system.
Ambient's BPL platform is designed to support many, if not all, of the sensoring, monitoring and control applications that Con Edison may deploy to enhance its distribution system. Some of the applications that can be supported by the Ambient BPL system include aggregation of meter reading, peak load reductions and demand side management, energy flow measurements, stray voltage detection, and partial discharge detection.
The demonstration of Ambient's partial discharge detection application, in particular, may be a key component in proactively detecting impending failures in cables or other distribution system components.
Ram Rao, Ambient's Chief Technology Officer stated, "We are pleased to be working with our long-time partner Con Edison on this R & D project. Con Edison has stated their commitment to enhance their grid, and we anticipate that the Ambient BPL system will be a key part of the solution that Con Edison is developing to achieve their planned improvements. The Ambient BPL platform has been developed to enable exactly these types of applications and solutions."
Many of the utilities in the United States that are in the process of developing plans for the next generation distribution systems have identified communications capabilities as a key requirement. Ambient's BPL system is an ideal solution to meet this requirement as it operates over the same infrastructure that the utilities own, operate, and maintain to deliver electricity.
About Ambient Corporation
Ambient is a pioneer in the Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) industry and is engaged in the design, development and marketing of patented, FCC-certified BPL equipment and technologies. Ambient utilizes proprietary technology and in-depth industry experience to provide optimal solutions for Smart Grids and the Broadband Access and In-Premise markets. Headquartered in Newton, MA, Ambient is a publicly traded company (OTCBB: ABTG (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=abtg.ob&d=t) - News (http://finance.yahoo.com/q/h?s=abtg.ob)). Visit Ambient at www.ambientcorp.com (http://www.ambientcorp.com/). This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial uncertainties and risks. These forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations, estimates and projections about our business and our industry, and that reflect our beliefs and assumptions based upon information available to us at the date of this release. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are predictions based on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including but not limited to, changes in economic conditions generally and the broadband over power lines ("BPL") market specifically, changes in technology, legislative or regulatory changes that affect us, the availability of working capital, changes in costs and the availability of goods and services, the introduction of competing products, changes in our operating strategy or development plans, our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, and changes in our acquisition and capital expenditure plans, and the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "RISK FACTORS" in Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I dont know if Ambients services will extend to the outer boroughs but its a start. Manhattan will greatly improve in broadband infrastructure. Hopefully, LIC will follow

[jrosa51894]

Broadbands Nice But You Can"t Use It With Out Power! Stupid Con Ed

[clubBR]

jrosa, Ambient provides broadband power and power management for Con Ed.
The next generation of electric power will use broadband technologies. No more wires on poles, its all underground cables.

[ramvid01]

jrosa, Ambient provides broadband power and power management for Con Ed.
The next generation of electric power will use broadband technologies. No more wires on poles, its all underground cables.

Uhm, most of Western Queens has its cables underground anyways, so that wouldn't matter as much either.

[shocka]

Hey Shocka

THANKS for the links, Going by whats on the sites there are only a handfull left. i wonder what new buildings are planned?


I am assuming you have visted Queenswest.com, but here is a map created by the mod over at Queenswest.com

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&z=16&ll=40.744087,-73.955348&spn=0.014485,0.01678&om=1&msid=110371325704774631139.00000111c77789c3c3b65&msa=0/

And i can see they are starting to work on the Rockrose Condos :)

[shocka]

Its that kind of thinking that has us where we are. Sure, you don't care that they built a parking garage, but maybe you care for a lively cityscape? At least the rockrose parking garage has retail on the ground floor as the models show it having, but this parking garage adds nothing to the street and deadens the area.


I look at it this way, the more parking that is available, less cars will be running around the streets looking for parking. I like that in LIC there are not a load of cars druving around the streets; there is a unique feeling to being able to just cross the street. It is something I really seem to appreciate about LIC.

[jrosa51894]

hey they are ripping doen the corner of jackson and queens plaza next to the gas station if i am correct HSBC is putting a building there. did anybody hear anything?

[ramvid01]

hey they are ripping doen the corner of jackson and queens plaza next to the gas station if i am correct HSBC is putting a building there. did anybody hear anything?

Nope, thats an old rumor and sadly there is no more information other than HSBC wants to build a tall tower that I mentioned many pages back I think.

[jrosa51894]

No ramvid they are ripping down the building now that's there i was just over there take a look as we speak.

[kyle]

http://www.qgazette.com/news/2007/0411/features/018.html

[krulltime]

http://www.qgazette.com/news/2007/0411/features/018.html



New Hotels Planned For Long Island City


BY RICHARD GENTILVISO
April 11, 2007

Plans to open a new luxury hotel in Long Island City this spring with rates beginning at over $300 per night, are on track. The Ravel Hotel, as it will be named, replaces the infamous QPlaza Motel near the Queensboro Bridge.

Along the East River waterfront, the Q-Plaza is being converted and expanded from 23 rooms into the 78-room Ravel Hotel at a cost of $4 million. The Ravel will feature Manhattan views, many from bay windows leading out to balconies, and have a multilevel rooftop that will serve as a bar/lounge and art gallery- a far cry from the Q-Plaza, long a notorious site of reputed prostitution in the area.

Ravi Patel purchased the property in 2005 with an idea toward accommodating tourists seeking an easy alternative from Manhattan, according to a February 18 report in the New York Times Business Section. Comparable rates for hotels in Manhattan are about $400 per night.

Groundbreaking is scheduled this spring for a second hotel in Long Island City, an 11-story structure with 100 rooms, also featuring views of Manhattan at the current site of a commercial warehouse on the East River waterfront.

The Z Hotel, as it is to be called, will be less expensive, with rooms going for about $200 per night. The developer, Henry Zilberman, also plans to provide an alternative for visitors to Manhattan. The Z will offer free hourly limousine transportation service for hotel guests to Manhattan destinations. Zilberman owns several limousine businesses in Long Island City, according to the February 18 New York Times report.

In another part of the borough, two more new hotel projects are in the planning stages as well, although community approval is still needed. In Forest Hills, a 100-room luxury hotel is going before Community Board 6 for approval. The developer, Yeheskel Elias said he envisions visitors to the US Open staying at the hotel, which would be designed in the tudorstyle architecture of the area, according to a report in the February 4 New York Times.

The second project, a 10-story, 130- room hotel to be constructed on Northern Boulevard in Corona, has met with resistance from the community because of the height of the building. Marriott International said plans for the proposed Spring Hill Suites hotel have not yet been completed. The development would replace vacant auto parts warehouses, according to the February 4 New York Times.

The rezoning of Long Island City in 2001 allowed for a mix of taller residential and commercial projects, including hotels, in the area, spurring development. In 2006, Court Square Place, a 16-story, 275,000-squarefoot building was completed.

In addition, a 486,000- square-foot office building for Citigroup is being constructed near Citigroup's 48- story tower that has long towered above other structures in the area.

Also along the East River waterfront, Silvercup Studios plans to develop 2.2 million square foot of space, including 650,000 square feet of office space, 270,000 square feet of studio space, 150,000 square feet of retail space and about 1,000 units of residential housing with parking space for 1,400 cars.


Copyright© 1999 - 2007 The Service Advertising Group Inc.

[jrosa51894]

i am still trying to find the exact location of the new hotel on 43rd ave last mention in the times

[shocka]

i am still trying to find the exact location of the new hotel on 43rd ave last mention in the times


Are you refering to the shady hotel that was on 43rd and Vernon? When I last went by it August 2006, it was being renovated. I have not gone by recently.

[jrosa51894]

It is the second hotel they mention in this article.
Times Ledger - Developers planning two hotels for LIC (http://www.timesledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18234404&BRD=2676&PAG=461&dept_id=542415&rfi=6)

[queenswest]

I am assuming you have visted Queenswest.com, but here is a map created by the mod over at Queenswest.com

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&z=16&ll=40.744087,-73.955348&spn=0.014485,0.01678&om=1&msid=110371325704774631139.00000111c77789c3c3b65&msa=0/

And i can see they are starting to work on the Rockrose Condos :)

Now I am a "mod"? Jeeze, Shocka...

Jake

[Stern]

Probably an old proposal from Cetra/Ruddy.

[kyle]

Now I am a "mod"? Jeeze, Shocka...

Jake

Jeeze is spelled jeez Jake.

[kyle]

I think the second hotel will be by the exit/entrance ramp to the Queensboro Bridge. I think it's an exit ramp, but I haven't been around there for a few monthes.

I'll check it out next weekend and, if on one else answers by then, I'll let you guys know.

[queenswest]

Jeeze is spelled jeez Jake.

kyle is spelled "Kyle" kyle.

(yet another board we will ruin with our bickering).

Jake

[NewYorkDoc]

View from Solar One : Stuyvesant Cove Park (http://aolsearch.aol.com/aol/redir?src=websearch&requestId=709e14857123db44&clickedItemRank=3&userQuery=stuyvesant+cove+park&clickedItemURN=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solar1.org%2Fpark% 2Findex.html&title=Solar+One+%3A+Stuyvesant+Cove+Park&moduleId=matchingsites.jsp.M&clickedItemPageRanking=3&clickedItemPage=1&clickedItemDescription=WebResults) in Manhattan

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/1899/pics052kf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/9531/pics050ge3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[infoshare]

View from Solar One : Stuyvesant Cove Park (http://aolsearch.aol.com/aol/redir?src=websearch&requestId=709e14857123db44&clickedItemRank=3&userQuery=stuyvesant+cove+park&clickedItemURN=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.solar1.org%2Fpark% 2Findex.html&title=Solar+One+%3A+Stuyvesant+Cove+Park&moduleId=matchingsites.jsp.M&clickedItemPageRanking=3&clickedItemPage=1&clickedItemDescription=WebResults) in Manhattan

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/1899/pics052kf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/9531/pics050ge3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


I had never heard of solar one park (http://www.solar1.org/about/map/index.html). That is a great vantage point for viewing the new developments over at Long Island City. Thanks for the photos: and the news - too me - about solar one park.

cheers.

[queenswest]

Anyone have a location on that Z-hotel? Street address?

Jake

[jrosa51894]

it going to be on 43rd ave

[clubBR]

jrosa whats going on below the southern Astoria boundary? I believe this area is called Dutch Kills but real estate agents call it Astoria. There was an article regarding major rezoning for Dutch Kills. Any new developments? Hotels, condos, maybe new apartment buildings?

[jrosa51894]

The boundaries are often misrepresented by agents. Now it"s like everyone in Astoria is saying LIC

[BrooklynRider]

Actually Long Island City is a very large area that encompasses Astoria. Look it up in the New York City Encyclopedia.

[jrosa51894]

1. Don't need to i live in the area

2. it is now trendy to say LIC not astoria. Sort of how everbody in the vicinity of park slope is now park slope becasue its the new hot area

[investordude]

I noticed some metal spikes digging out of the ground to the north of the 4720 building. Have then broken ground on LIC building 3? I thought they were suppossed to do that in January but there has been no press release.

Also, north of LIC building 2, is a fence surrounding a dirt square. Looks like it could be tennis courts - is there going to be a playground or something there?

[kyle]

Yup, thoose pilings are for the Rockrose condo...once they're done, you'd be surprised how quickly that building will go up.

And the fenced in area across from there is indeed to go be a ballfield(s)/playground.

They're also laying the street out over there and putting down the cobblestones in the intersection where the steets meet on Center Blvd. Really fun to watch brand new street being created!:)

[ramvid01]

Yup, thoose pilings are for the Rockrose condo...once they're done, you'd be surprised how quickly that building will go up.

And the fenced in area across from there is indeed to go be a ballfield(s)/playground.

They're also laying the street out over there and putting down the cobblestones in the intersection where the steets meet on Center Blvd. Really fun to watch brand new street being created!:)

Got any pictures. *bats eyes* :)

[shocka]

Got any pictures. *bats eyes* :)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/466458009_a23ad2f494.jpg

this is about two weeks old, I will try to get newer ones of the condo construction.

[jrosa51894]

great pics shocka

[investordude]

So, is it a public street? I hope so - I don't think developers should be allowed to own the street in a major city like New York, even if they pay for it.

[ramvid01]

So, is it a public street? I hope so - I don't think developers should be allowed to own the street in a major city like New York, even if they pay for it.

Yea its a public street. It was not layed down because that whole site was the coca-cola bottling plant, and therefore all those streets are brand new.

[kyle]

Pepsi-Cola plant, not Coke.

:)

[shocka]

So, is it a public street? I hope so - I don't think developers should be allowed to own the street in a major city like New York, even if they pay for it.


That actually leads to a great question.

Rockrose is currently putting down Center Blvd, but it is Public, so long term, is Rockrose responsible for the upkeep of Center? Are they responsible for the lighting etc?

Seeing my experience with Rockrose so far, I think they are going to try to make it feel as if you are entering a private community.

[kyle]

No, they're not responsible for it...it's a NYC street. The city maintains the lighting, etc. And I don't think ROckrose itself is actually putting down the street, the building yes, but not the street. Probably a vendor for QWDC is doing it.

Anyone notice a few weeks ago they started putting in the QW historical street lights all the way down at Anabel Basin. Laying down the curbs too...probably doing some of teh sidewwalks now too. Exciting, exciting. :)

[investordude]

At 28-10 Jackson Avenue. Wasn't this initially to be an office building? Also, does anyone know if they are still planning to knock down the Queens Plaza garage? I'm worried that with congestion pricing they might decide to leave it there instead of building an attractive 3 million square feet of office as I thought was initially planned.

[investordude]

ttp://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18325639&%20RD=2731&%20AG=461&%20ept_id=574903&%20fi=6

[jrosa51894]

That Site Is The 5 Story Garage That We Have Talked About Yes They Are Knocking Down The Garage

[ramvid01]

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18325639&%20RD=2731&%20AG=461&%20e%20pt_id=574903&%20fi=6 (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18325639&%20RD=2731&%20AG=461&%20e%20pt_id=574903&%20fi=6)

Interesting article. I had never heard of any plans for the site, but it's nice to see it will have ground retail.

I don't think this is the parking garage, because it makes no mention of the fact that they have to tear down the garage and also, the garage is WAAAAAAY more than a half acre. Instead this seems to be the plot of land directly across from the garage, by the MTA maintenence building.

[jrosa51894]

The garage is coming down. this is going to be one huge building. Also Tishman is advertising metlife place in crains this week i wouldnt be surprised if some major company packages both properties

[kyle]

The Tishman-SPeyer project mentioned in the zwire article isn't the garage people keep mentioning, which was teh question.

It's across from the garage...going east, sort-of. Used to be owned by Modell, the sporting goods guy. The site is huge...way bigger than the municipal garge across from the Fusion condos.

[antinimby]

What are the cross streets?

[kyle]

Cross streets are, according to the zwire article, West Street and Orchard Street.

Actual address of the building is 28-10 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, New York.

As an aside, I've always wanted to live on Queens Street. :D

[antinimby]

I think 28-10 is the wrong address for the parking garage.

I checked the city's map and it is the address for the parcel across (east of) Jackson Ave.

There's about 10 buildings of various shapes and sizes and a couple of parking lots on that site.

[investordude]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/16/nyregion/16west.html?ref=realestate

The city and the port authority should be seeking maximum value here from their lands. My suggestion - rezone the area as R8 with a C1 overlay, and leave it at that. If required by NIMBYs, you can make the area eligible for 80/20 program. Why on earth should developers and banks build non-profit homes with prime Manhattan waterfront views?

The views from this land are valuable, and transportation is decent. So, I'd argue the best choice is to create 5000 market rate units.

[antinimby]

They're not being stupid.

They're just trying to prevent a huge public outcry, a bit of which has already shown itself and nothing concrete has even happened yet.

But the city really needs the affordable units and anywhere they can put it, so I don't really have a problem with the location.

[clubBR]

Is it safe to compare Hunters Point, L.I.C to Port Morris, Mott Haven?

[kyle]

No.

[cc7212]

Has anyone heard if Powerhouse will not start releasing apartments until another new development in the vicinity sell all their supply?

Also does anyone hae any idea as to when , if they did start realsing apartment it would be? I have assed several time and it seems as if progress is going so slow, am I wrong on this assumption?

[investordude]

If they built market housing here, you'd get more units, and at less expense to taxpayers. I can see an argument for building affordable development to stimulate depressed areas, but if the marketplace developers would build units, they should let them. If they make a profit, they'll immediately plow that back into building more apartments. Eventually, you'll get to a point where living becomes affordable.

[ramvid01]

If they built market housing here, you'd get more units, and at less expense to taxpayers. I can see an argument for building affordable development to stimulate depressed areas, but if the marketplace developers would build units, they should let them. If they make a profit, they'll immediately plow that back into building more apartments. Eventually, you'll get to a point where living becomes affordable.

Theoretically that works. In reality its not so perfect. Demand comes from outside the city itself because of how appealing it is to live here, so you get a lot of foreign demand too that keeps the prices high. Also developers are building luxury in hopes of getting the big bucks. So they could stop building because its not as profitable for them anymore. I think it's a good idea to have affordable housing, or else the middle class will continue to leave the city.

[investordude]

Coop City. Starrett City. Lefrak City. Sure people live there, but they have become low income or elderly enclaves, when they were intended as middle class. Why do people never learn - government is not as good as the private sector at predicting housing needs. What possible reason is there to believe a new government housing plan, which includes yet another towers in the park design with little retail, won't eventually deteriorate just like all these past examples.

And by the way, if you really want to help the middle class, built market rate housing with retail at the base - the middle class works in jobs like retail in this city.

[ramvid01]

Coop City. Starrett City. Lefrak City. Sure people live there, but they have become low income or elderly enclaves, when they were intended as middle class. Why do people never learn - government is not as good as the private sector at predicting housing needs. What possible reason is there to believe a new government housing plan, which includes yet another towers in the park design with little retail, won't eventually deteriorate just like all these past examples.

And by the way, if you really want to help the middle class, built market rate housing with retail at the base - the middle class works in jobs like retail in this city.

The middle class also includes police officers teachers along with other civil servants. Theres enough middle class jobs in this city, whats lacking is middle class housing.

And I'm not advocating that all the apartments should be middle class. I think it should be mixed. I also do not believe the government does a good job, but at the same time the private sector is not a good choice for finding middle class housing. They should meet in the middle.

[krulltime]

New Tower May Come, With Some City Funds


http://images.zwire.com/local/Z/Zwire2731/zwire/images/28131_H5.jpg
The Queens Plaza garage will likely be
razed to make way for an office tower,
with a city agency as its anchor tenant.


by Jennifer Manley
05/17/2007

The long-awaited renovation of Queens Plaza’s white elephant may get a $30 kick start from the city. The drab concrete Queens Plaza Municipal Parking Garage takes up an entire block at 28-10 Bridge Plaza, but is expected to be razed to make way for an office tower.

Tishman Speyer, the real estate giant that owns Rockefeller Center and more locally, the contaminated vacant site across Jackson Avenue from the garage, intends to redevelop the city-owned site but was reportedly having trouble attracting investors. Now the city’s Economic Development Corp. confirms it intends to spend the $30 million on outfitting office space it will then give to an as-yet unnamed city agency, which will be the anchor tenant.

There is no time frame on when the deal could be sealed, but EDC spokeswoman Janel Patterson said “we want to get this done as soon as possible.”

Lisa Deller, chairwoman of Community Board 2’s Land Use Committee, said everyone is looking forward to seeing the transformation of Queens Plaza, but there are concerns that the city’s spending priorities could be “somewhat misplaced.”


Copyright © 1995 - 2007 Townnews.com

[investordude]

I think its logical for the city to move employees out of Manhattan when possible. Companies locate in Manhattan to get the brightest people in the metro area to work, as Manhattan is the center of transit. But a lot of city agencies just need people - not necessarily the most talented. For them, it may be economical to build in Long Island City and let corporations have the Manhattan office market.

[clubBR]

I think its logical for the city to move employees out of Manhattan when possible. Companies locate in Manhattan to get the brightest people in the metro area to work, as Manhattan is the center of transit. But a lot of city agencies just need people - not necessarily the most talented. For them, it may be economical to build in Long Island City and let corporations have the Manhattan office market.
Are you saying transit workers are dumb?

[investordude]

Dumb - well, that's putting words into my mouth.

I do think the city would be better off locating jobs in the outer boroughs both to trigger new neighborhood development but also to save on operating costs so they can return money to taxpayers or use the savings on actually buying infrastructure improvements. For example, if the transit department saves money on office space, they can use the savings to pay for more transit improvements, right?

Also, given that transit workers make less than investment bankers and lawyers, the cheapness of Queens is probably beneficial - if the office wants to go out to eat, there will be a place around that the city workers can actually afford to go eat at.

They probably don't meet with clients that often, so the advantages of Manhattan are less important in this regard.

And finally, sure, I think its fair to say that the creative genious of entertainment and fashion, or the doctorate level math schools of a quantitative trader, or a neuroscientist at a major hospital, are harder to find than city workers, who typically have a bachelers degree in fields like sociology or urban planning where there is less of a shortage of workers than math.

This doesn't mean they are dumb, it just means its probably smarter for them to locate in Queens and save money.

[macreator]

So does the building of this office tower on the municipal garage site signal that Tishman's planned Gotham Center is finally being built?

[clubBR]

Dumb - well, that's putting words into my mouth.

I do think the city would be better off locating jobs in the outer boroughs both to trigger new neighborhood development but also to save on operating costs so they can return money to taxpayers or use the savings on actually buying infrastructure improvements. For example, if the transit department saves money on office space, they can use the savings to pay for more transit improvements, right?

Also, given that transit workers make less than investment bankers and lawyers, the cheapness of Queens is probably beneficial - if the office wants to go out to eat, there will be a place around that the city workers can actually afford to go eat at.

They probably don't meet with clients that often, so the advantages of Manhattan are less important in this regard.

And finally, sure, I think its fair to say that the creative genious of entertainment and fashion, or the doctorate level math schools of a quantitative trader, or a neuroscientist at a major hospital, are harder to find than city workers, who typically have a bachelers degree in fields like sociology or urban planning where there is less of a shortage of workers than math.

This doesn't mean they are dumb, it just means its probably smarter for them to locate in Queens and save money.
Well said. Your name rings truth

[clubBR]

Is it safe to walk around Queens Plaza at night?

[BrooklynRider]

It depends on what kind of animal you are.

[clubBR]

What does that mean

[jrosa51894]

yes it is. just as in any transit hub location

[jrosa51894]

There are all type of people there just as in penn plaza, port authority etc .

[netbratt]

The Crescent Club
41-17 Crescent Street
17 stories
Karl Fischer Architect
Dev-Ari Chitrik
Residential Condominium
119 units 180,579 Sq. Ft.
Proposed ?

http://www.pbase.com/archit_kderek2k3/image/54422681.jpg
Karl Fischer Architect
http://www.kfarchitect.com


Long Island City's hot nabe
BY LORE CROGHAN
DAILY NEWS BUSINESS WRITER
Big change is coming to the grimy industrial neighborhood of Long Island City.

http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?p=65038#post65038

...At 41-17 Crescent St., developer Ari Chitrik plans a 17-story development called the Crescent Club - 119 condos with a lap pool and a putting green in a landscaped back yard.

Pre-sales marketing might start next spring, or else next fall, said Henenson.

The site's currently occupied by Ethnikos Kirix, a 90-year-old Greek-language daily newspaper.

The paper will move this fall to another Long Island City location, 37-10 30th St., editor and publisher Antonis Diamataris told Your Money....


Map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=41-17+Crescent++Street,+long+island+city,+NY&btnG=Search&ll=40.75089,-73.93948&spn=0.003674,0.013475)

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3601/is_44_51/ai_n14703194
MAI Investment, a division of Manhattan Apartments, Inc., announced the sale of 41-17 Crescent St., a land plot in Queens, N.Y. containing a factory building and two adjacent parking lots, for $10.8 million
Real Estate Weekly, June 15, 2005

I am considering a purchase here. I like the layout of the unit, amenities and the outside/inside designs.

My main concern now is the area. I know it will change with time but how grungy should it be in late 2008/early 2009 when I would move in? I have owned in Gramercy for 20 years and that area wasn't so great back then.

Thanks in advance for any input anyone can share.

[Jaffster]

I can't help but notice that the crane for 2 Court Square is gone. I guess that means we will never see the tower part of that building.

[jrosa51894]

once the problem is resolved with con-ed and is power supply for the tower.the temp wall will be removed and the second phase will start.

fu--ing con ed is screwing up everything with its power issues in lic

[netbratt]

I am considering a purchase here. I like the layout of the unit, amenities and the outside/inside designs.

My main concern now is the area. I know it will change with time but how grungy should it be in late 2008/early 2009 when I would move in? I have owned in Gramercy for 20 years and that area wasn't so great back then.

Thanks in advance for any input anyone can share.


Having seen the area I would not consider a purchase here. Not my cup of tea

[jrosa51894]

The area is rapidly changing for the better. Those who purchase now will do alot better once the redevelopment is complete the prices will only be through the roof.

[kyle]

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18474867&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574903&rfi=6

[antinimby]

June 15, 2007 (http://empirezone.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/06/15/a-new-library-for-long-island-city/), 1:47 pm

A New Library for Long Island City


By Sewell Chan

Long Island City, on the waterfront at the western edge of Queens, is widely seen as the next frontier in the city’s plan to remake the waterfront, with new housing developments within walking distance of the area’s many transit stations. The area is still home to some of the city’s largest public housing developments, and for many years, residents of the area had little access to public libraries. There were two makeshift branches of the Queens Library, shoehorned into uncomfortable spaces in the Ravenswood and Queensbridge housing projects. “They were apartment-sized,” the director of the Queens Library, Thomas W. Galante, told me this morning.

This afternoon, city officials opened a new Long Island City branch of the library, at 37-44 21st Street off 38th Avenue. The 18,000-square-foot building cost $9.5 million and is the 63rd branch in the Queens system (not counting the system’s central library on Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens). The new Long Island City branch has more than 35,000 books, videos and other items for loan and reference; dedicated adult, teenager and children’s areas; 21 desktop computers and 12 wireless computers; a program and meeting room for 110 people; and self-service kiosks — equipped with radio frequency identification devices — that allow customers to check out materials and do other routine transactions without having to wait in line.

Mr. Galante said the last few months have been good ones for the Queens Library. On Sept. 20, officials opened the new Cambria Heights community library, at 218-13 Linden Boulevard. Before 2006, the last time the system opened new branches was in 1999, when the South Jamaica and Langston Hughes branches opened.

The last few days have been good for the Queens Library. On Tuesday, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Christine C. Quinn, the City Council speaker, reached an agreement that will allow many branch libraries throughout the city to be open six days a week, as they were before the post-9/11 economic downturn required the city to make severe budget cuts early in Mr. Bloomberg’s first term.

“Between that and this grand opening today of a new library, I couldn’t think of a better week,” said Mr. Galante, who has run the system for the past four years.

Copyright 2007 The New York Times Company

[krulltime]

June 19, 2007:


http://www.pbase.com/image/80987721.jpg

[sfenn1117]

The Avalon tower is dreadful and a disgrace.

Thanks for all the pics....water taxi ride?

[krulltime]

^ Yes. A water Taxi. ;)

[ramvid01]

The Avalon tower is dreadful and a disgrace.

Thanks for all the pics....water taxi ride?

Although it looks absolutely terrible from almost all angles, it is actually kind of bearable if seen from straight on. Maybe I can get a picture from that angle. But aside from that it is very terrible.

[ramvid01]

It seems that there is a Marriot coming to Queens Plaza. Anyone have any renderings of it yet, I can't seem to find any.

[antinimby]

I'd bet it'll be ugly though. Probably a McSam or a Lam Group disaster.

[jrosa51894]

other than view 59 in construction or the park planned for queens plaza due to start in the fall 07/spring 08 does did anyone hear of anything new?

[ramvid01]

Theres the Crescent Club. Thats going up behind view 59 or next to Queens Plaza. The other project I have no clue what that is. Then theres the Marriot, and maybe that tall residential that Karl Fischer has on his website. I am sure there are more but information is very scarce.

[jrosa51894]

where is the marriot going on queens plaza location block?

[sfenn1117]

The pocket parks on the east side are nice.
http://i8.tinypic.com/63t5313.jpg

Building a skyline.
http://i18.tinypic.com/63r8hn9.jpg

http://i15.tinypic.com/61l2yk5.jpg

[jrosa51894]

with all the work being done now and new projects starting within the next 6 months queens plaza is really shaping up into something amazing. i am wondering when they will start the rerouting of traffic at queens plaza and the tree planting?

[antinimby]

Compare LIC's skyline in the above pics with Jersey City's:

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r260/pianoman11686/SA700039.jpg

[JCMAN320]

The best thing is JC has even more big ones to be built yet. The JC skyline will get bigger and bigger. LIC will get a skyline soon give it time.

[sfenn1117]

Long Island City's will someday have that length, especially combined with Williamsburg/Greenpoint. They will be competing for mediocrity unfortunately...but there are a couple standouts on both sides (Silvercup West, Goldman Sachs, Metropolitan).

[sfenn1117]

Close to 100 pictures to post. I was lucky enough to view the fireworks from a 12th floor apartment, and for the rest of my life no fireworks will live up to what I witnessed last night. Those pictures first, then pictures from my walk today.

My aunt lives on the 10th floor with north-facing windows, but we watched from a 12th floor apartment with both east and north facing(south too sticking my head out the window). It was incredible.

Here's the views:
http://i10.tinypic.com/6gxjxvs.jpg

http://i8.tinypic.com/4qpadt0.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/68avred.jpg

http://i19.tinypic.com/4lylo9h.jpg

One large crowd considering the weather.
http://i8.tinypic.com/6gn4ajb.jpg

Money seats on Roosevelt Island
http://i13.tinypic.com/6f5cgw2.jpg

A small boat crossed the line and was swiftly grounded by 2 NYPD boats. It was entertaining.
http://i15.tinypic.com/6ah17co.jpg

http://i9.tinypic.com/6ce280k.jpg

It is not easy to get a picture of fireworks, so this is my best one:
http://i11.tinypic.com/52dtxqf.jpg

Gotham
http://i13.tinypic.com/4pjtl6v.jpg

[sfenn1117]

I was lucky it stayed dry this morning, took a long walk around up to Queens Plaza and back. Lots of work going on.

http://i10.tinypic.com/4ypo9e9.jpg

http://i19.tinypic.com/62n936e.jpg

http://i8.tinypic.com/4xna521.jpg

People in this Fedders' didn't care for my photography.
http://i15.tinypic.com/6gsw9bs.jpg

http://i13.tinypic.com/4pmaemu.jpg

Hidden gems lie around.
http://i17.tinypic.com/534ompx.jpg

Badge Building
http://i17.tinypic.com/5ze1078.jpg

http://i9.tinypic.com/5yx5uex.jpg

So this is how the Echelon went so high....this lovely parking lot.
http://i19.tinypic.com/5y00lea.jpg

http://i8.tinypic.com/5zh10gl.jpg

[sfenn1117]

http://i7.tinypic.com/62ghac6.jpg

http://i16.tinypic.com/4p1cu4k.jpg

http://i13.tinypic.com/6auq92r.jpg

http://i15.tinypic.com/6bwqjgz.jpg

Landmarked block:
http://i15.tinypic.com/4r21ow4.jpg

http://i19.tinypic.com/4m2vlnb.jpg

http://i14.tinypic.com/4yjrcyw.jpg

Worst blank wall in the city?
http://i13.tinypic.com/6barmde.jpg

http://i10.tinypic.com/4kjg0er.jpg

This one story suburban bank branch has got to go.
http://i12.tinypic.com/4pl1kqf.jpg

[sfenn1117]

http://i16.tinypic.com/62xba6b.jpg

http://i19.tinypic.com/4vn12e0.jpg

http://i13.tinypic.com/5yu0uxg.jpg

Arris Lofts
http://i8.tinypic.com/4pds1v4.jpg

44-27 Purves, for a Kaufman building, isn't bad. In the middle of nowhere though. The steel is for 26-26 Jackson Ave, 11 stories 160 feet by Scarano

http://i9.tinypic.com/643m5c2.jpg

http://i13.tinypic.com/5zpn9za.jpg

http://i18.tinypic.com/67d90tv.jpg

Industry still thrives
http://i13.tinypic.com/6g8vo0w.jpg

http://i15.tinypic.com/62ftjr5.jpg

http://i16.tinypic.com/53gksiu.jpg

[sfenn1117]

http://i14.tinypic.com/62pcr2s.jpg

Queens Plaza needs that makeover
http://i15.tinypic.com/4ldfo0o.jpg

http://i9.tinypic.com/5yx7jp3.jpg

Wow.
http://i18.tinypic.com/4v52uqe.jpg

Nice cobblestones.
http://i12.tinypic.com/6ccrlmx.jpg

Fraternal Twin
http://i9.tinypic.com/52bw1f9.jpg

http://i14.tinypic.com/4t8vriw.jpg

Forgot the address but it will be a 13 floor hotel, Peter Casini architect.
http://i9.tinypic.com/5xfeqed.jpg

Rustic
http://i8.tinypic.com/4t72o49.jpg

Mega Fedders, any fedders building >8 floors
http://i19.tinypic.com/5z721eg.jpg

[Derek2k3]

Nice job. Looks like some parts could use an upzoning.

[sfenn1117]

Queens Plaza Condo
http://i8.tinypic.com/52oes6b.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/6d041mu.jpg

View 59
http://i15.tinypic.com/676tcvd.jpg

http://i9.tinypic.com/66t420n.jpg

Crescent Club Condo - 17 stories
http://i14.tinypic.com/67d0fv6.jpg

Another 15 story condo (41-34 crescent st)

http://i16.tinypic.com/4md44t1.jpg

http://i19.tinypic.com/66lnh2a.jpg

Demolition for Fischer's Queens Plaza Condo (50 stories)
http://i12.tinypic.com/5y2mm4x.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/6as6v0y.jpg

http://i12.tinypic.com/68apvo0.jpg

[sfenn1117]

More condos
http://i19.tinypic.com/4m9wlsp.jpg

http://i18.tinypic.com/52oer11.jpg

The only skyscraper you can see entirely from afar in NYC.
http://i18.tinypic.com/4mb4dx1.jpg

Nice view of BOA
http://i7.tinypic.com/4uoq9lk.jpg

http://i11.tinypic.com/4uwb0vk.jpg

http://i18.tinypic.com/63hxuuc.jpg

http://i7.tinypic.com/4zuq4cp.jpg

http://i19.tinypic.com/5znb094.jpg

http://i11.tinypic.com/67s7tif.jpg

Gantry
http://i9.tinypic.com/6exqn4l.jpg

[sfenn1117]

5th street lofts
http://i16.tinypic.com/4tzlc76.jpg

http://i11.tinypic.com/4yzplk0.jpg

The rest of 5th street is pretty much parking garages...ouch
http://i9.tinypic.com/6fq00ma.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/6b1ix3p.jpg

http://i19.tinypic.com/4mkevb9.jpg

I loathe the new Avalon
http://i19.tinypic.com/6h6wj5s.jpg

http://i11.tinypic.com/5z24ylz.jpg

http://i7.tinypic.com/52py07m.jpg

But I like the new Rockrose
http://i9.tinypic.com/4tgyhrl.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/4u240wm.jpg

[sfenn1117]

There is some streetwall with incoming retail
http://i10.tinypic.com/4pnodck.jpg

http://i7.tinypic.com/4pee345.jpg

Skyhouse from the pier
http://i16.tinypic.com/66jsars.jpg

Working on the 3rd Rockrose tower (18 stories)
http://i9.tinypic.com/6gl6nwx.jpg

Other views from the 11th floor roofdeck
http://i16.tinypic.com/68bl5cy.jpg

http://i13.tinypic.com/6750duw.jpg

http://i8.tinypic.com/62sf6yt.jpg

Private park for Rockrose residents. Once the rest of the public esplanade is finished it's going to be nice.
http://i12.tinypic.com/4t69k02.jpg

5th street lofts again...the church is where the 7 stops.
http://i17.tinypic.com/6cwse1f.jpg

And one more of the fireworks for a finale:
http://i10.tinypic.com/4yqwbrc.jpg

[pianoman11686]

Wow, thanks for all those pics. Truly a comprehensive photo tour.

The place still has a very unrefined, unfinished look. Don't even think you can call it a "place" yet: we'll see in 5 or 10 years if it'll resemble one. Michael Shvo (for one) thinks it's poised for greatness.

[ramvid01]

Thanks for all the pictures sfenn. I completely agree pianoman, this place definitely is not quite refined yet, and it really needs some stores. Also I found that the exterior of Queens Plaza looks much better than I thought it would come out to be. I completely agree that 2 Court Square has the ugliest blank wall in the city, but the glass on the building is top notch. I really think though that they will build the tower portion of the building (or at least I hope).

[sfenn1117]

Thanks guys, and you are definitely right. It's currently in a state of flux, and it's fascinating to watch. The mix of industrial and million dollar condos and the rapidly changing nature of the area make this an exciting neighborhood. There is a lot of room for growth and it will all be unrecognizable for 10 years.

More condos:

One Hunters Point:
http://i17.tinypic.com/6atfn5v.jpg

Hunters View
http://i18.tinypic.com/4kvvzh3.jpg

Foundry
http://i18.tinypic.com/6gj8dfm.jpg

Here is the Crescent Club
http://i10.tinypic.com/4vozbdj.jpg

Powerhouse (Hopefully the tower portion is still planned)
http://i14.tinypic.com/641vk00.jpg

[antinimby]

Damn, now that is coverage.

By the way, is that 50-story Karl Fischer condo really going to happen?

[krulltime]

That was great sfenn1117! Thanks for the photos. I hate those parking garages so much! What is worst is that they probably wont be develop into something better, never!

[macreator]

Can someone explain to me how those massive blockbusting parking garages don't violate zoning?

[antinimby]

I think zoning actually encourages them. To get more parked cars off the street.

There are Queens politicians that are, believe it or not, calling for more parking garages in their communities. Go figure.

[jrosa51894]

wow whats going on 43rd ave buildings poping up everywhere haha

[sfenn1117]

Scarano won a design award for 26-26 Jackson, so it promises to be a great building. It sucks that people in Brooklyn fight his designs while horrible firms that only design Fedders buildings aren't called out. For those who haven't seen his Manhattan Park Condos, it is a beautiful building and is of a European caliber...refreshing in that area to say the least.

------

Says It Was an Honor to be Recognized Alongside
Renzo Piano, Frank Sciame at Ceremony

Brooklyn architect Robert M. Scarano Jr. received two awards from the New York Society of American Registered Architects (NY-SARA) at the society’s annual awards ceremony June 26 at Battery Gardens in Manhattan.

Scarano received the Housing Award of Merit for his Manhattan Park Condos design, a Brooklyn project, and an Award of Honor for Projects in Design Phase for his design of a high-tech residential tower along the Jackson Avenue corridor in Queens.

At the same awards ceremony, the society acknowledged the success of the Morgan Library Addition, designed by famed Italian architect Renzo Piano, by naming it “Project of the Year,” and presented contractor Frank J. Sciame the coveted Medallion of Honor for his involvement in that project and for his physical contributions to the city.

“Manhattan Park Condos, designed by Robert Scarano and Sasha Pustylnik, is a striking wood-clad high-rise that has introduced a fresh attitude toward visual qualities in the heart of Brooklyn’s North-Side Williamsburg section,” wrote the society. “Set against the backdrop of small wood-sided homes, the building recasts this corner, directly across from McCarren Park, into a vibrant people place.”

The Jackson Avenue project, designed by Robert Scarano, David Blaustein and Naoyuki Shiiya, is a mixed-use residential and commercial building in Long Island City, “which introduces amenities that pamper individuals who work hard and value their free time as well.”

In his acceptance speech, Scarano thanked his talented staff and his visionary clients, referred to the past two years as “extremely challenging” and stressed the significance of this recognition from his educated piers.

“What my firm does best is create good environments for living from the inside out,” he said. “These awards are a reminder that we are making positive changes, and the public need not be distracted by political or other individual agendas. It is an honor for me to receive these awards along with
Renzo Piano, Frank Sciame, Stephen B. Jacobs and other great masters of our time.”
© Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2007

http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=5&id=14121

Small thumbnail with the article
http://i18.tinypic.com/63hsqqu.jpg

[ramvid01]

Looks to have nice massing from what I can decipher. I wonder if those are the colors that will be used but none the less its nice to see that the building will have stores on the ground floor. That area needs some stores to liven it up.

[antinimby]

Scarano won a design award for 26-26 Jackson, so it promises to be a great building. It sucks that people in Brooklyn fight his designs while horrible firms that only design Fedders buildings aren't called out.They're not only fighting his projects but one City Councilman is even trying to strip (http://www.therealdeal.net/breaking_news/2007/06/28/1183052254.php) him of his practicing license.

Isn't there far more important things for this Councilman dork to do than to take away the license of someone who actually does good for Brooklyn and the city?

[lofter1]

Give me a break ^^^

Scarano has repeatedly shown that he will flout the law and push beyond what is allowed solely in an effort to put more cash in the pockets of his clients.

Have any of his projects where he overbuilt been done in a way which actually added more residential units than would have been done had he followed the law?

In regards to architecture / zoning it seems that enforcement of what is on the books is imperative -- otherwise you open a Pandoras Box.

Granted if you don't like the law then work to change it.

Scarano seems to be incapable of reining himself in. Therefore the powers that be are in the right to put the screws to him.

[sfenn1117]

His "