When Queens-bound riders emerge from the 7 line’s subway tunnel, they are greeted by a rapidly diminishing view of the Manhattan skyline. Residential towers have sprung up like neatly planted hedges along the Long Island City waterfront, and as Manhattan continues to vomit high-value real estate, the towers are pushing further inland. Near the subway tunnel exit, David Wolkoff‘s G&M Holdings is constructing a massive 1.2 million square foot development on a full block site bounded by Jackson Avenue on one end and Sunnyside Railyards on the other. The complex replaces the 5Pointz warehouse whose graffiti-covered-everything was a familiar sight to riders and artists. To the dismay of many, the unofficial landmark was white-washed then demolished in 2013.
Now, two chunky high-rises, one 41-stories and the other 47, are rising in its place. Hoping to recapture some of the lost artistic energy, the developers have carved out spaces for art studios, art installations, and walls for temporary murals. The complex is being designed by HTO Architect and will house 1,116 rental units, twenty percent of which will deemed affordable. Amongst the towers will be a large public park and playground, a rotating mural exhibit, and a swimming/fitness facility.
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New images from Mojo Stumer offer us our first glimpse of what the residential lobby, gym, pool and art-infused lounge area may resemble. Residents and visitors will be welcomed into a long reception area that connects the two towers and borders a private courtyard. Sculptural installations will abound, and may include a geometrically faceted lobby desk and column, and finishes that recall LIC’s fast-disappearing industrial atmosphere.
Artist studios will be situated along the nosier Davis Street which has the 7-train rumbling overhead, and the public park will be positioned at the eastern end of the site. Other amenities will include parking for 250 vehicles, bicycle parking and retail spaces along Jackson Avenue and Crane Street.
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