Curtain wall installation is nearing the parapet of Queens Plaza Park, aka Sven, a 762-foot-tall mixed-use skyscraper at 29-37 41st Avenue in Long Island City. Exterior work on the 67-story tower, which is the second-tallest structure in Queens, has been moving swiftly since its topping out in late June. The 978,000-square-foot project is designed by Handel Architects and is being developed by The Durst Organization, with Selldorf Architects as the interior designer. Hunter Roberts is the general contractor and Jaros, Baum & Bolles Engineering is handling the required mechanical systems for the edifice. The developers are aiming for LEED certification.
Recent photographs show the state of progress on both sides of the reinforced concrete superstructure. Thin white horizontal bands evenly spaced tp every other floor break up the monotony of the dark green glass façade, which is closing in on the final levels. The building’s massing, which features a sweeping concave on both of its broad sides, makes it stand out from the rest of Long Island City’s rising cityscape. Meanwhile, the structural metal frame atop the flat roof parapet is currently being assembled. The adjacent clock tower of the Chase Manhattan Bank Building, aka the Queens Clock Tower, is still covered in thick scaffolding and black netting. The Art Deco landmark is being restored and integrated into the development’s 50,000 square feet of office and retail space.
Sven. Photo by Michael Young
Sven. Photo by Michael Young
Sven. Photo by Michael Young
Sven. Photo by Michael Young
Sven. Photo by Michael Young
The property is set to yield 958 rental units, 300 of which will be set aside as affordable housing according to the Durst Organization. Amenities will include an outdoor swimming pool, a 20,000-square-foot fitness center, a library, co-working areas, a children’s playroom, and a demonstration kitchen.
The nearest subways are the E, M, and R trains at the Queens Plaza station and the 7, N, and W trains at Queensboro Plaza.
Sven is expected to open sometime in 2021.
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OK, after seeing this I feel just a tad bit better about Sven. However, there is still something about it that I don’t really care for. Maybe it is the glass, maybe it is the shape – I really don’t know.
By the way, today is the opening of One Vanderbilt for those who are interested in that!
How is that possible if the TCO walk-thru with the DOB isn’t until Thursday morning? Your story has more holes than a gold-digger’s condom.
It’s an office building turned into housing without the 60 year delay.
Born in Bklyn in 1948 and raised in Fresh Meadows, I spent my life taking buses and subways, especially the Flushing IRT. Very few of you are old enough to remember what LIC was. The rezoning of the area has brought life and money to the area, with incredible views from the hi-rises. Stop complaining. Although I’m now retired down in the other NY (Boca Raton), I go back frequently and can’t believe the transformation that the City has undergone in my lifetime.
Nice curtain wall here..Let’s hope it isn’t ‘curtains’ for NYC Real Estate.
one vanderbilt is an office tower in midtown
were still pouring concrete there
Why is it called “Affordable Housing” when those who live in the area can’t afford it.
I like the building, love the significant affordable component. The name is silly, though.
Great architecture. It looks like this latest glass box is collapsing in on itself.
Great architecture. It looks like this latest glass box is collapsing in on itself,
The other NY…Del Boca Vista
Why is it called “Sven”?
South facing convex. Facade= future death ray building