While some professionals have been drawn to Astoria for its close proximity to Manhattan via the N/W subway lines and the NYC Ferry, this section of Queens has emerged as a powerhouse in its own right. The eclectic dining scene has evolved well beyond the diners and Greek restaurants that once defined the area. Among the independent restaurants and New York City chains is Blend Astoria, a Latin American staple and winner of the inaugural Alfresco Awards for best outdoor dining space; of the seven restaurant winners in 2021, it was the only one from Queens.
Moreover, Astoria has cultivated a vibrant cultural scene. Astoria Bookshop is the literary heart of the neighborhood, which is also home to the Museum of the Moving Image, Socrates Sculpture Park, and the Noguchi Museum. But as the Welling Court Mural Project shows, artists and art-lovers need not be confined to museums. Not bad for a once-quiet riverfront stretch named to curry favor with the then-richest man in America!
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“Queens is getting the cool factor” - Bianca Colasuonno, Compass
Price is undoubtedly a lure for the new residents behind this influx. A spokesperson for The Rowan, a record-breaking luxury condo in Astoria, described its buyers as mostly New York-area residents seeking more space and finding greater value here as compared to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even Long Island City. Bianca Colasuonno of Compass concurs, saying, “We are drawing many people priced out of Manhattan and Brooklyn…[Queens] is more affordable, low-rise, and there is easier access to parking and parks.”
Data via U.S. Census Bureau
However, Queens’ growth goes beyond one hip section of Astoria: According to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Queens reached a new record population of 2,405,464 people, or a gain of 7.8 percent second only to Brooklyn. Indeed, if Queens was its own city, it would be the country’s fourth-largest after Chicago and Los Angeles. In contrast, Manhattan's population increased by 6.8 percent.
Rendering of Halletts North (Studio V Architecture)
With so many embracing Astoria, new housing is needed to accommodate them. To that end, in fall 2022, the City Council approved a rezoning amendment required to allow mega-development Halletts North to take shape on a former industrial site on the Astoria waterfront. The three towers — one measuring 22 stories, one measuring 31 stories, and one measuring 35 stories — are planned to contain 1,340 new housing units. A total of 335 units will be designated as permanently affordable to those earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI); of these, 268 will be affordable to those earning below 50% of the AMI.
In addition to the new housing units, Halletts North will include 3,600 square feet of local retail space, 21,500 square feet of community facility space, a 525-car garage, and a new waterfront park and promenade. Additionally, in deference to the realities of climate change, the builders plan to raise the site’s grade to protect it from storm surges and flooding. Construction of the first phase is expected to commence in 2023, and completion is estimated for 2028.
Until then, prospective residents certainly have options in Astoria. It is certainly possible to find a single-family home here, but Ms. Colasuonno cautions that most of these are older homes in need of renovation. Additionally, a multi-family building boomlet is catering to buyers and renters alike. We take a look at the most interesting new developments to rise in Astoria, as well as submarkets like Ditmars/Steinway, Dutch Kills, Astoria Heights, and Hallett's Cove.
In addition to the new housing units, Halletts North will include 3,600 square feet of local retail space, 21,500 square feet of community facility space, a 525-car garage, and a new waterfront park and promenade. Additionally, in deference to the realities of climate change, the builders plan to raise the site’s grade to protect it from storm surges and flooding. Construction of the first phase is expected to commence in 2023, and completion is estimated for 2028.
Until then, prospective residents certainly have options in Astoria. It is certainly possible to find a single-family home here, but Ms. Colasuonno cautions that most of these are older homes in need of renovation. Additionally, a multi-family building boomlet is catering to buyers and renters alike. We take a look at the most interesting new developments to rise in Astoria, as well as submarkets like Ditmars/Steinway, Dutch Kills, Astoria Heights, and Hallett's Cove.
Astoria Park (via Hellets Point luxury rentals)
Now Selling/Renting
Design by New York Architectural Solutions
Developed by AKI Development
7 Floors | 32 Condos
6 availabilities from $700K
The Candle Factory (Compass)
Amidst the residential transformation of Astoria, its industrial history has not been forgotten: The new boutique condominium at 11-18 Main Avenue has been named in honor of the candle factory that previously stood on the site, and features include a red brick facade, oversized casement windows, and loft-inspired interiors. However, all units have such contemporary features as keyless access, modern kitchens, baths with radiant heated floors, and in-unit washer/dryers. Select units have private outdoor space, and all residents have access to the building’s package room with cold storage, fitness center, and landscaped roof deck with 360-degree views.
Design by T.F. Cusanelli & Filletti Architects
Developed by 30-57 Crescent Street LLC
6 Floors | 10 Condos
3 availabilities from $798K
Astoria Proper (Modern Spaces)
The boutique condo boom in the outer boroughs shows no sign of slowing down, and it has made it to this section with Astoria Proper. All 10 one-bedroom apartments feature airy interiors, double-paned casement windows, white oak flooring, kitchens with custom cabinetry and premium appliances, baths with radiant heated floors, in-unit washer/dryers, and private balconies. Amenities include a rear courtyard, a roof deck, and a fitness center; parking and storage are available for an additional fee.
Design by Fogarty Finger
Developed by Cape Advisors
8 Floors | 534 Rental Units
19 availabilities from $3,023/month
All renderings via Pax Brooklyn, courtesy of Fogarty Finger
Astoria West photography (Travis Marks)
This fall, construction was completed on Astoria West, a massive three-building development catty-corner to the Socrates Sculpture Garden and the Astoria ferry stop. All units feature high ceilings, generous floor plans, kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, well-appointed baths, and picturesque views. The newly unveiled Penthouse Collection offers windowed walls and private terraces.
Astoria West’s expansive amenity collection was designed to make the most of Manhattan and Long Island City skyline backdrops. This includes a private inner courtyard, a spacious coworking lounge with private conference rooms, a fitness center with yoga studio and golf simulator, a children’s playroom, a game room, a screening room, and a karaoke room. Additional perks include an attended lobby, pet spa, bike room, indoor parking garage, and complimentary shuttle service to the N and W trains. To top it all off is a rooftop pool club, lounge area, and deck with BBQ grills and cabanas.
Astoria West’s expansive amenity collection was designed to make the most of Manhattan and Long Island City skyline backdrops. This includes a private inner courtyard, a spacious coworking lounge with private conference rooms, a fitness center with yoga studio and golf simulator, a children’s playroom, a game room, a screening room, and a karaoke room. Additional perks include an attended lobby, pet spa, bike room, indoor parking garage, and complimentary shuttle service to the N and W trains. To top it all off is a rooftop pool club, lounge area, and deck with BBQ grills and cabanas.
Inner courtyard
Design by Fogarty Finger
Developed by SB Development
10 Floors | 103 Rental Units
3 availabilities from $3,200/month
Rise LIC (Modern Spaces)
In the wake of Dutch Kills’ rezoning, a robust residential community has emerged. A recent entrant is Rise LIC, an industrially inspired rental with a curved corner and oversized windows. Select units come with Bumblebee modular furniture, and all apartments feature organic materials, high ceilings, modern kitchens, spa-inspired baths, and in-unit washer/dryers. Amenities include Hello Alfred concierge service, a lobby with green wall, a fitness center with yoga studio, a dog wash area, an indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge, bike storage, on-site parking, and electric scooters by Levy. An affordable lottery took place earlier this spring, and a handful of market-rate apartments remain.
Design by DXA Studio
Developed by RockFarmer Properties
7 Floors | 46 Condos
No current availabilities
All renderings of The Rowan via Redundant Pixel
Model unit via Adam Kane Macchia
The Rowan launched sales roughly around the time New York went on lockdown, but that does not seem to have hurt it - the building has broken Astoria sales records twice. All apartments feature European-style oversized windows, white oak flooring, hand-selected details, and a well-appointed kitchen and baths with high-end finishes and appliances. Approximately half the units have private outdoor space, and all residents have access to the building's fitness center, children's playroom, indoor/outdoor lounge, sensory garden, and roof terrace. Closings are expected to commence later this summer.
Design by Gerald J. Caliendo Architects
Developed by Gold Sun Estates LLC
6 Floors | 10 Condos
No current availabilities
All images of The Vitoria via Keller Williams
The 10 one-bedroom units at The Vitoria comprise eight apartments with private balconies, a garden unit with a private backyard, and a penthouse with a large private terrace. Interiors feature floor-to-ceiling casement windows, kitchens with custom Italian cabinetry and Samsung stainless steel appliances, baths with radiant heated floors and glass-enclosed shower, and Brilliant's All-in-One smart home control system. Amenities include a gym, complimentary bike storage, private storage for purchase, and a landscaped roof deck with 360-degree city views.
Design by Gerald J. Caliendo Architects
Developed by Nema 1 Realty LLC
5 Floors | 10 Condos
No current availabilities
All images of The Bevy via Modern Spaces
Shortly after NYC Ferry service was expanded, sales launched at The Bevy, a new boutique condo near the East River waterfront. The collection of studio and one-bedroom units features floor-to-ceiling windows, flexible layouts, kitchens with premium KitchenAid appliances, in-unit washer/dryers, and, in many units, private outdoor space. A 15-year 421a tax abatement is in effect, and amenities include storage, parking (for an additional fee), and a roof deck with panoramic skyline views.
Designed and developed by AKI Development
3 Floors | 10 Condos
No current availabilities
All images of Astoria Park North via Compass
Two blocks south of Astoria Park and down the street from The Rowan, a new boutique condominium launched sales last summer. All units open up to private outdoor space accessed by sliding glass doors, and interiors feature oversized windows, kitchens with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and state-of-the-art appliances, closets with custom build-outs, in-unit washer/dryers, and wiring for high-speed internet and wall-hung TVs. Amenities include a fitness studio, pet spa, private storage, and common roof deck with BBQ grills and 360-degree views.
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Design by TLI Architect, PLLC
Developed by GBT Real Estate LLC
6 Floors | 9 Condos
No current availabilities
All images of Eleven28 via Modern Spaces
Located just where Long Island City meets Astoria, a commercial building was expanded into a six-story condominium. Only one or two units per floor allow for excellent privacy, and all apartments feature expansive windows, birch wood flooring, well-crafted kitchens, and chic baths. Select units have private outdoor space, and all residents benefit from easy access to Socrates Sculpture Park and the best dining in both Long Island City and Astoria.
Design by Tan Architect
Developed by The Danzig Group and Chasella Capital Partners
5 Floors | 25 Condos
No current availabilities
All images of The Alexandra via Triplemint
Shortly after The Rowan launched sales, The Alexandra came on the real estate scene with an ash brick facade, private outdoor space in several units, and a generous amenities package. All apartments offer traditional design palettes, white oak flooring throughout, kitchens with quartz countertops and high-end appliances, and primary baths with radiant heated floors and Kohler fixtures. Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, virtual doorman, residents' lounge, bike storage, private parking and storage for purchase, and a landscaped rooftop with dining areas and lounge seating.
Coming Soon
Design by Future Expansion Architects
Developed by 3005 Vernon BLVD Joint Venture LLC
7 Floors | 67 Condos
The Marina Astoria (Nest Seekers)
A teaser site has launched for The Marina Astoria, a low-rise condominium steps from the New York Ferry launch. Renderings show a clear definition between the retail space at grade level and the studio through two-bedroom condos on top, and private balconies in select units. According to the architects, the oversized windows will look out on one of three conditions: the East River, the building’s interior courtyard, or a planted terrace facing Welling Court. In addition to the courtyard, amenities will include a communal terrace, laundry rooms on each floor, a fitness center, a roof terrace, bike storage, and on-site parking for 45 vehicles.
Design by Architects Studio P.C.
Developed by Strategic Capital Metropolitan
8 Floors | 50 Rental Units
Rendering of 3-11 27th Avenue (Architects Studio P.C.)
Plans for 3-11 27th Avenue date back to 2017, when permits were filed for a new eight-story building on the corner of 14th Street and 27th Avenue. The designer’s website described the project as "residential mixed-use with Affordable Independent Residence for Seniors,” and the permits call for a community facility, commercial space, 50 residential units, and 23 parking spaces. The first renderings showed a dark gray building with multiple private balconies, but newer designs depict a lighter-colored facade, floor-to-ceiling windows, and terraces lining the upper levels as opposed to individual balconies.
Designer TBA
Developed by 33-33 11th St. LLC and Lily & John Realty Inc.
8 Floors | 332 Rental Units
Rendering of 33-33 11th Street (33-33 11th St. LLC)
In June 2022, the City Planning Commission approved an upzoning application that will allow a two-building mixed-use development to take shape in a highly industrial section of Astoria. Between the two buildings, there will be 24 studios, 148 one-bedrooms, 114 two-bedrooms, and 46 three-bedrooms; a total of 82 units (or 25 percent) has been designated as affordable. In addition to the much-needed housing units, the project will feature local retail space, artists’ studios, 10,000 square feet of space for a local non-profit, 24,000 square feet of space for a food distribution company, and two trade schools: the Andromeda Initiative, which provides free educational programs to help people gain employment in the construction industry, and York Studios, which offers programs in film and television production. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards spoke favorably about the project, as did other members of the community.
Neptune Tower, 31-05 Astoria Boulevard
Designer TBA
Developed by MDM Development Group, Astoria Associated and 31 Neptune LLC
11 Floors | 51 Rental Units
Rendering of Neptune Tower (Gerald J. Caliendo Architects)
Rumors of the closure of Neptune Diner, a beloved fixture in Astoria’s Greek diner scene, have been swirling since 2019, when the diner’s 35-year lease ended and the property changed hands along with two adjacent lots. More recently, the City Council approved a rezoning application that would allow a four-tower, mixed-use apartment complex to be built on 24 adjacent lots, including the site of the diner, in January 2022. The diner would be replaced with an 11-story tower with a daycare center and 51 new housing units, 15 percent of which would be affordable. There is no architect of record for the project, but Gerald J. Caliendo Architects released a concept drawing for the site in March 2021.
Astoria Cove
Design by Fogarty Finger
Developed by Cape Advisors
26 Floors | 469 Rental Units
2014 rendering of Astoria Cove (Studio V Architecture)
Plans for a new housing development near Astoria Park have been in the works since November 2014, when permits for the four-building project were initially approved. The site sat quiet for years, but there were stirrings of life in April 2022, when new permits were filed for one 26-story tower, one seven-story building, and a pair of eight-story buildings – similar to those included in the original plan. Developer Alma Realty tried to sell the site in spring 2017; while they do not appear to have succeeded in this, a Cape Advisors executive is the listed applicant on the new permits.
Design by Dattner Architects
Developed by The Durst Organization
14 Floors | 163 Rental Units
Halletts Point Building 7 (Housing Connect)
Following the success of 10 Halletts Point, The Durst Organization’s first foray outside of Manhattan, the developer re-teamed with Dattner Architects for the nearby project known as Halletts Point Building 7. An affordable lottery is underway for 145 units, ranging from $665/month studios to $1,601/month two-bedrooms; details and criteria may be found here. All apartments will feature oversized windows and energy efficient appliances and light fixtures. Amenities are set to include a central laundry room, a gym, and bike storage. Residents will also benefit from a prime waterfront address and easy access to the Astoria ferry terminal.
Lottery criteria (Housing Connect)
32-02 Vernon Boulevard
Design by Gerald J. Caliendo Architects
Developed by Cipco Construction
14 Floors | 330 Rental Units
Rendering via Gerald J. Caliendo Architects
In October 2019, the City Council voted to approve the rezoning of an irregularly-shaped block bounded by Vernon Boulevard and Broadway, 33rd Road, 10th Street, and 11th Street. The rezoning from a residential low-density district to a residential medium-density district will allow a proposed three-building development to go forward. The project will cover a total of 315,966 square feet and bring new community space, underground parking, a landscaped open space, and a total of 330 new housing units (92 of which would be permanently affordable) to the neighborhood. Permits have not yet been filed for the site, which is currently occupied by a one-story warehouse and garage.
31-07 31st Street
Design by SLCE Architects
Developed by HANAC and Mega Development LLC
12 Floors | 135 Senior Housing Units
Rendering via NYC Housing Preservation & Development
In January 2021, the Department of Housing Preservation & Development announced the selection of a development team that will transform a vacant City-owned site into a new mixed-use development. The project is part of the city's Seniors First initiative; as such, it will contain 135 affordable senior housing units, 30 percent of which will be set aside for the formerly homeless. Social services will be on site, and amenities will include a backyard and rooftop terrace. The development will also offer commercial retail space and a standalone community center with technology training, job skills development, substance abuse support, and counseling for LGBTQ seniors. The project will be financed through the Senior Affordable Rental Apartments Program, but an estimated completion date is not yet available.
Wildflower Studios
Design by Bjarke Ingels Group
Developed by WF Industrial IV LLC
715,000 square feet
All renderings of Wildflower Studios via Bjarke Ingels Group
Films and television shows like the Marx Brothers' Animal Crackers, The Wiz, The Money Pit, Sesame Street, and Orange is the New Black have been shot at Kaufman Astoria Studios (once known as the Paramount Studio), and Astoria is committed to being a part of the future of film: In February 2022, the city granted a building permit for Wildflower Studios, a new facility helmed by Robert De Niro and described as a "vertical commercial film, television, and film studio" on top of a former Steinway & Sons piano storage facility.
The proposed studio would feature approximately 416,000 square feet of production space - sound stages, dressing rooms/wardrobe areas, pre- and post-production rooms, common areas, and hospitality areas - as well as approximately 251,000 square feet of loading facilities, 310 attended off-street parking spaces, and mechanical rooms. The project would also feature a waterfront public access area along Luyster Creek with a circulation path, seating, and landscaping, not to mention protections in response to rising waters caused by climate change. Site preparation began in late 2020, and completion is estimated for the fourth quarter of 2023.
The proposed studio would feature approximately 416,000 square feet of production space - sound stages, dressing rooms/wardrobe areas, pre- and post-production rooms, common areas, and hospitality areas - as well as approximately 251,000 square feet of loading facilities, 310 attended off-street parking spaces, and mechanical rooms. The project would also feature a waterfront public access area along Luyster Creek with a circulation path, seating, and landscaping, not to mention protections in response to rising waters caused by climate change. Site preparation began in late 2020, and completion is estimated for the fourth quarter of 2023.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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