After spending much of last year grappling with the coronavirus pandemic and the efforts to contain it, New York City saw the lowest amount of construction activity in almost a decade. A new report from the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) found that new building filings were at the lowest total since 2012, when New York was emerging from the Great Recession. Activity started to pick up again in the fourth quarter of 2020, but the year's numbers of filings and housing units nevertheless show a significant drop from 2019.
REBNY leadership said the report highlighted the need for greater infrastructure investment at both the federal and state level. REBNY president James Whelan also commented that "our city is not currently getting enough construction projects underway. And it is not creating enough housing—including affordable housing—to address immediate and long-term needs.” Indeed, the events of the past year have shoved the housing affordability issue to the forefront.
However, none of that is to say that New York has been quiet. Activists urge city and state leadership to seize this moment to come up with a new affordable housing strategy; in the meantime, developers and designers continue work on new projects set to make a statement all over the city. We take a look at renderings of construction projects in the works, under review, and that we may see on the rise in the near future.
REBNY leadership said the report highlighted the need for greater infrastructure investment at both the federal and state level. REBNY president James Whelan also commented that "our city is not currently getting enough construction projects underway. And it is not creating enough housing—including affordable housing—to address immediate and long-term needs.” Indeed, the events of the past year have shoved the housing affordability issue to the forefront.
However, none of that is to say that New York has been quiet. Activists urge city and state leadership to seize this moment to come up with a new affordable housing strategy; in the meantime, developers and designers continue work on new projects set to make a statement all over the city. We take a look at renderings of construction projects in the works, under review, and that we may see on the rise in the near future.
In this article:
All renderings of 30-02 Newtown Avenue via Gerald A. Caliendo Architects
In January 2021, Queens Community Board 1 approved a rezoning application for 30-02 Newtown Avenue, a property near the 30th Avenue train station, so as to allow an 11-story building to rise. The application will now move on to the Queens Borough President, and the City Council will make the ultimate decision.
According to the environmental assessment statement, this is expected to feature residential units, ground-floor retail space, and a 99-seat black box theater. The Astoria Performing Arts Center was originally poised to be the tenant, but no longer needs the space; Astoria Post notes that the developer is now in talks with other nonprofits.
Permits have not yet been filed for the new building or for demolition of the automotive repair buildings currently on-site, but renderings by Gerald J. Caliendo Architects show a building with staggered height, oversized windows, and several private balconies. The developer plans to offer 26 of the 104 planned units to households earning 40, 60, and 80 percent of the area median income, and 13 of these will be reserved for residents of Community Board 1.
According to the environmental assessment statement, this is expected to feature residential units, ground-floor retail space, and a 99-seat black box theater. The Astoria Performing Arts Center was originally poised to be the tenant, but no longer needs the space; Astoria Post notes that the developer is now in talks with other nonprofits.
Permits have not yet been filed for the new building or for demolition of the automotive repair buildings currently on-site, but renderings by Gerald J. Caliendo Architects show a building with staggered height, oversized windows, and several private balconies. The developer plans to offer 26 of the 104 planned units to households earning 40, 60, and 80 percent of the area median income, and 13 of these will be reserved for residents of Community Board 1.
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Developer 311 West 42nd Street LLC is seeking City Planning Commission approval of a discretionary action to facilitate a new mixed-use building between West 42nd and West 43rd Streets. The 32-story building will have a 42nd Street portion and a 43rd Street portion, and the developer wants to allow the 43rd Street portion to rise to a maximum height of 88.3 feet (plus a 20-foot mechanical bulkhead) as a permitted obstruction. This is higher than the 66-foot height that underlying special district provisions allow, but approval of the proposed action would permit floor-to-floor heights in this portion that would be consistent with zoning goals for quality and affordability based on a text amendment.
According to permits filed in March 2020, the project calls for retail and residential space in both the 42nd Street and 43rd Street portions. Residential amenities will include a second-floor garden, a lounge, a children’s playroom, a fitness center with sauna and spa treatment rooms, a 31st-floor pool and lounge, green roof, bike room, mail room, and storage. Handel Architects is listed as the designer of record.
According to permits filed in March 2020, the project calls for retail and residential space in both the 42nd Street and 43rd Street portions. Residential amenities will include a second-floor garden, a lounge, a children’s playroom, a fitness center with sauna and spa treatment rooms, a 31st-floor pool and lounge, green roof, bike room, mail room, and storage. Handel Architects is listed as the designer of record.
McGraw-Hill Building, Midtown West
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Update 2/11/2021: Landmarks approved the signage.
On Tuesday, February 9, the developers of the McGraw-Hill Building at 330 West 42nd Street will appear before Landmarks. Renderings show new storefront windows and infill along West 41st Street, signage similar to that which has already been approved, and a new sign above the main entrance on West 42nd Street. A presentation by MdeAS Architects shows “330 W 42nd Street” in a font and color scheme similar to the original “McGraw Hill” above the door. Not only is the iconic green terra cotta building an individual landmark, but it is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2018, rumor had it that the upper floors of the McGraw-Hill Building would be converted to luxury rentals. It is unclear how those plans are proceeding, but we can say that these were ahead of their time: The recent rise in work-from-home arrangements shows no sign of abating even as the number of vaccinated New Yorkers rises, leaving developers with a glut of office space that some have mulled converting to residential use.
On Tuesday, February 9, the developers of the McGraw-Hill Building at 330 West 42nd Street will appear before Landmarks. Renderings show new storefront windows and infill along West 41st Street, signage similar to that which has already been approved, and a new sign above the main entrance on West 42nd Street. A presentation by MdeAS Architects shows “330 W 42nd Street” in a font and color scheme similar to the original “McGraw Hill” above the door. Not only is the iconic green terra cotta building an individual landmark, but it is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2018, rumor had it that the upper floors of the McGraw-Hill Building would be converted to luxury rentals. It is unclear how those plans are proceeding, but we can say that these were ahead of their time: The recent rise in work-from-home arrangements shows no sign of abating even as the number of vaccinated New Yorkers rises, leaving developers with a glut of office space that some have mulled converting to residential use.
Tin Building, South Street Seaport
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Update 2/11/2021: No action.
Though the developer’s plans for 250 Water Street were rejected earlier this winter, Howard Hughes Corporation is set to return before Landmarks on February 9, 2021 with further changes to the South Street Seaport Historic District. This one will center on the Tin Building, now located at 95 Marginal Street following a painstaking disassemblage and relocation featuring as many original materials as possible.
The neo-Classical Tin Building was originally constructed in 1907 and served as the centerpiece of the Fulton Fish Market. Celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will be its newest tenant and run a fresh food market and eateries on the first two floors. A presentation by Roman and Williams depicts the previously reviewed building with approved colors and new blade signage, painted graphics, extruded metal letters with halo lighting, neon signs, and metal seal with raised graphic. The presentation is full of examples of similar signage throughout the historic district.
Though the developer’s plans for 250 Water Street were rejected earlier this winter, Howard Hughes Corporation is set to return before Landmarks on February 9, 2021 with further changes to the South Street Seaport Historic District. This one will center on the Tin Building, now located at 95 Marginal Street following a painstaking disassemblage and relocation featuring as many original materials as possible.
The neo-Classical Tin Building was originally constructed in 1907 and served as the centerpiece of the Fulton Fish Market. Celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will be its newest tenant and run a fresh food market and eateries on the first two floors. A presentation by Roman and Williams depicts the previously reviewed building with approved colors and new blade signage, painted graphics, extruded metal letters with halo lighting, neon signs, and metal seal with raised graphic. The presentation is full of examples of similar signage throughout the historic district.
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Update 2/11/2021: Approved with modifications.
In December 2020, Landmarks ruled “no action” on a new building at 39 Chauncey Street in the Stuyvesant Heights Historic District. Commissioners were generally supportive of the contemporary take on historic rowhouses, but had concerns about such details as the fenestration, bulkhead, materials, and garbage enclosure planters. The developer returns to Landmarks on Tuesday, February 9 with a revised design.
At December’s hearing, the Historic Districts Council suggested that “the brick should be an earthy red in dialogue with the older row houses.” A presentation by NV Design Architecture shows that that recommendation has been taken to heart; new renderings show red brick buildings. The lot is currently empty, as the neo-Georgian apartment house and vernacular house previously on-site were both demolished due to unsafe conditions.
In December 2020, Landmarks ruled “no action” on a new building at 39 Chauncey Street in the Stuyvesant Heights Historic District. Commissioners were generally supportive of the contemporary take on historic rowhouses, but had concerns about such details as the fenestration, bulkhead, materials, and garbage enclosure planters. The developer returns to Landmarks on Tuesday, February 9 with a revised design.
At December’s hearing, the Historic Districts Council suggested that “the brick should be an earthy red in dialogue with the older row houses.” A presentation by NV Design Architecture shows that that recommendation has been taken to heart; new renderings show red brick buildings. The lot is currently empty, as the neo-Georgian apartment house and vernacular house previously on-site were both demolished due to unsafe conditions.
All images of 110 West 88th Street via DXA Studio for Landmarks Preservation Commission
Update 2/11/2021: Landmarks approved the new building.
At the beginning of the year, no action was taken on a new townhouse proposed for 110 West 88th Street in the Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District. In response to suggestions from that Landmarks hearing, a new presentation prepared by DXA studio, to be reviewed in a hearing on Tuesday, February 9, depicts thinner screen slats between the windows on floors 2-4, a wider second-floor picture window, and first floor elements aligned with the outside frame instead of the windows above. The area below the cornice has been increased, as has the depth of the cornice lip. Additional changes include taller hopper windows, a wider brick frame around the edge, and greater variety to the stone.
Renderings show a stone building measuring 59’5” - one of the taller buildings on its block, but roughly in line with its nearest neighbor. Permits have not been filed, but proposed floor plans call for a single-family townhouse with a cellar-level home gym and wine room, private terrace off the living room, full-floor primary suite, and rooftop terrace. If all goes according to this plan, it would fit in well with a new crop of modern mansions taking shape throughout New York City.
At the beginning of the year, no action was taken on a new townhouse proposed for 110 West 88th Street in the Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District. In response to suggestions from that Landmarks hearing, a new presentation prepared by DXA studio, to be reviewed in a hearing on Tuesday, February 9, depicts thinner screen slats between the windows on floors 2-4, a wider second-floor picture window, and first floor elements aligned with the outside frame instead of the windows above. The area below the cornice has been increased, as has the depth of the cornice lip. Additional changes include taller hopper windows, a wider brick frame around the edge, and greater variety to the stone.
Renderings show a stone building measuring 59’5” - one of the taller buildings on its block, but roughly in line with its nearest neighbor. Permits have not been filed, but proposed floor plans call for a single-family townhouse with a cellar-level home gym and wine room, private terrace off the living room, full-floor primary suite, and rooftop terrace. If all goes according to this plan, it would fit in well with a new crop of modern mansions taking shape throughout New York City.
363 Madison Avenue, Midtown East
Demolition permits have been filed to make way for a new supertall offtice tower. Shortly after Midtown East’s rezoning was approved, developers and designers quickly embarked on grand plans for soaring, state-of-the-art new towers, some to replace the office buildings that have long defined this part of New York. In line with this, demolition permits have been filed for a string of Madison Avenue buildings between East 44th and 45th Streets. These are to make way for a new, 1,050-foot-high supertall on the site of the former Metropolitan Transit Authority headquarters.
Boston Properties is developing the project, and renderings by Kohn Pedersen Fox (designer of the nearby One Vanderbilt) show a tower perched on top of a 301-foot-tall podium. In addition to over 5,300 square feet of retail space on the ground floor and over 832,000 square feet of Class-A office space, it will offer pedestrian access to Grand Central Terminal and the LIRR East Side Access concourse (the latter of which is currently in the works). Excavation work is expected to commence in 2022, and completion is estimated for 2026.
Boston Properties is developing the project, and renderings by Kohn Pedersen Fox (designer of the nearby One Vanderbilt) show a tower perched on top of a 301-foot-tall podium. In addition to over 5,300 square feet of retail space on the ground floor and over 832,000 square feet of Class-A office space, it will offer pedestrian access to Grand Central Terminal and the LIRR East Side Access concourse (the latter of which is currently in the works). Excavation work is expected to commence in 2022, and completion is estimated for 2026.
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On the cusp of Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, and Crown Heights sits the opportunity for a dream Brooklyn home at 819 Dean Street. The lot dimensions measure 17.5 x 110 feet, and there is an opportunity to expand the FAR from 1,836 square feet to 3,850 square feet. It is on a peaceful tree-lined street, but one a short walk from the myriad transportation options at Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center. It is listed for $2.1 million.
According to approved plans by top architects and interior designers, the lower-level rental duplex measures 1,365 square feet and features a large living/dining room, a kitchen with pantry, a primary suite with walk-in closet, a second bedroom, and access to a private garden. The 2,785-square-foot owner’s triplex boasts a living room with fireplace, a primary suite with walk-in closet and private balcony, a den/home theater, a home gym, a home office, a roof yard with hot tub, and a private terrace leading to a backyard with grill, fire pit, and sunken lounge. Interior renderings show finely crafted, high-quality finishes.
According to approved plans by top architects and interior designers, the lower-level rental duplex measures 1,365 square feet and features a large living/dining room, a kitchen with pantry, a primary suite with walk-in closet, a second bedroom, and access to a private garden. The 2,785-square-foot owner’s triplex boasts a living room with fireplace, a primary suite with walk-in closet and private balcony, a den/home theater, a home gym, a home office, a roof yard with hot tub, and a private terrace leading to a backyard with grill, fire pit, and sunken lounge. Interior renderings show finely crafted, high-quality finishes.
Bethany Terraces, East Flatbush
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About a month ago, designer Paul A. Castrucci Architects received Department of Buildings approval for Bethany Terraces, a 58-unit affordable senior housing complex planned for a sunny street in Brooklyn. The design seeks to take advantage of this location with a series of southern terraces stepping down to a large common garden off the lobby, so as to create a variety of outdoor spaces for socialization, activity, and leisure.
Bethany Terraces will be designed to Passive House standards with a robust thermal envelope, heat recovery ventilators, air sealing, centralized gas domestic hot water heaters, and a rooftop solar array capable of bringing the building to Net Zero or Near Net Zero production. And in a move that will further reduce waste, the project intends to use modular construction.
Bethany Terraces will be designed to Passive House standards with a robust thermal envelope, heat recovery ventilators, air sealing, centralized gas domestic hot water heaters, and a rooftop solar array capable of bringing the building to Net Zero or Near Net Zero production. And in a move that will further reduce waste, the project intends to use modular construction.
Rendering of 963 Atlantic Avenue via Kutnicki Bernstein Architects
A new nine-story building is set to bring a modern touch to the cusp of Clinton Hill and Prospect Heights. Renderings of a sleek design by Kutnicki Bernstein Architects show large retail storefronts at grade level. All apartments on top will have oversized windows, and select units will have private balconies. Durukan Design has been commissioned to design the interiors and common spaces, which permits indicate will include a gym, pet care room, media lounge, game room, and recreation room. Additional offerings will include on-site parking, a bike room, a first-floor courtyard, and a roof terrace.
Rendering of 398 Mother Gaston Boulevard via J Frankl Architects
As a new mixed-use building at 398 Mother Gaston Boulevard awaits DOB approval, J Frankl Architects has revealed the first renderings of the project on Instagram. They show a two-toned building with several windows and a setback terrace about halfway up.
Upon completion, the building will feature grade-level retail space, a community facility and non-profit offices on the first five floors, and 62 residential units, most likely rentals, on top. Amenities will include a central laundry room, storage rooms, a bike room, on-site parking, an outdoor terrace, and a roof deck.
Upon completion, the building will feature grade-level retail space, a community facility and non-profit offices on the first five floors, and 62 residential units, most likely rentals, on top. Amenities will include a central laundry room, storage rooms, a bike room, on-site parking, an outdoor terrace, and a roof deck.
Rendering of 408 Lefferts Avenue via Z Architecture
Permits have recently been filed for a new mixed-use building at 408 Lefferts Avenue in Prospect Lefferts Gardens. Renderings by Z Architecture, designer of record, show a tan brick building with black metal accents and several windows. The interiors will house a ground-floor community facility and 56 residential units on floor 2-6.
Residential amenities are set to include a lounge, pet-washing station, bike room, on-site parking, and roof terrace. A completion estimate is not available, but demolition permits for the two-story house previously on-site were filed in May 2019.
Residential amenities are set to include a lounge, pet-washing station, bike room, on-site parking, and roof terrace. A completion estimate is not available, but demolition permits for the two-story house previously on-site were filed in May 2019.
31 Spencer Street, Bedford-Stuyvesant
Rendering of 31 Spencer Street via York Tower Group
A new look has been revealed for 31 Spencer Street, where a new 15-story building is set to rise. Renderings released by developer York Tower Group show a structure with oversized windows on all levels, a setback terrace, outdoor space on floors 9-14, and a rooftop terrace. The use has yet to be confirmed; York Tower Group describes the new building as residential, but permits filed with the Department of Buildings call for an office building with a community facility.
West Village Concept
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Architect Workshop/APD has recently released a new concept for 632-642 Washington Street, located a few blocks north of Google's incoming Hudson Square headquarters. The design is reminiscent of luxury condominium 601 Washington Street, and renderings show an attended lobby and outdoor terraces. It is uncertain whether this will be built; if so, it would replace a mid-century cooperative across from prestigious rental The Archive.
East Harlem 125th Street Towers
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While Harlem has seen some eye-catching new architecture amidst a building boom, things are hardly staying quiet in East Harlem. To drive the point home, Workshop/APD has released renderings of a concept for 110 East 125th Street, a site owned by The Durst Organization. These show two towers connected by a pavilion.
While this may not be the final design, a project of similar scale is expected for the site. When asked about the project in 2016, CEO Douglas Durst said he expected the project to include "a significant amount of affordable housing."
While this may not be the final design, a project of similar scale is expected for the site. When asked about the project in 2016, CEO Douglas Durst said he expected the project to include "a significant amount of affordable housing."
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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