Work is complete on Baisley Pond Park Residences, a 12-story all-affordable housing building at 143–06 135th Avenue in South Jamaica, Queens. Designed by Aufgang Architects and developed by Slate Property Group and RiseBoro Community Partnership, the 318-unit project is New York City’s first hotel-to-residential conversion under the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA). The property is located between Inwood and 142nd Streets, directly north of the Belt Parkway.
Representatives from the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) joined the project team for the official opening ceremony on December 18.
Baisley Pond Park Residences, courtesy of Slate Property Group.
Baisley Pond Park Residences, courtesy of Slate Property Group.
Baisley Pond Park Residences repurposes the former JFK Hilton hotel, originally built in 1987. Construction finished in just 18 months, around half the time typically required for new construction. RiseBoro will maintain long-term non-profit ownership and provide on-site support services, including those for the 60 percent of units reserved for formerly homeless individuals.
The building features all-electric HVAC systems, Energy Star appliances, rooftop solar panels, and indoor and outdoor amenity spaces. The exterior has also been adorned with a mural by artist Danielle Mastrion titled Queens Rising.
Baisley Pond Park Residences, courtesy of Slate Property Group.
Baisley Pond Park Residences, courtesy of Slate Property Group.
The $215 million project received financing from city and state housing agencies, including $47 million from HCR’s Hotel and Commercial Conversion Program, $34 million from HPD, $70 million from HDC, and additional support from JPMorgan and MSquared. The DSS’ Affordable Housing Services program provided operational funding to facilitate the transition of residents from shelters to permanent homes.
Baisley Pond Park Residences, courtesy of Slate Property Group.
The closest subways from Baisley Pond Park Residences are the E, J, and Z trains at the Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue station. The property is also located approximately half a mile from JFK Airport and is accessible by several MTA bus lines, including the Q6, Q7, Q10, and B15.
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This seems the 1960s redux. The murals are unexpected. I have not seen a brise soleil for a long time.