Curtain wall work is nearing completion on Queens Plaza Park, aka Sven, a 762-foot-tall skyscraper at 29-37 41st Avenue in Long Island City and number 17 on our countdown of the tallest projects underway in the city. Designed by Handel Architects for The Durst Organization, the 67-story project is the second-tallest structure in Queens and will yield 978,000 square feet of mixed-use space. Selldorf Architects is serving as the interior designer, Hunter Roberts as the general contractor, and Jaros, Baum & Bolles Engineering is handling the required mechanical systems. The project is aiming for LEED certification.
Sven. Photo by Michael Young
Recent photos from various vantage points show the glass enclosure covering the majority of the structure, with white horizontal strips breaking up the curved and flat surfaces of the exterior assembly. The primary section awaiting completion is on the western elevation where the exterior hoist remains attached. Meanwhile, all of the scaffolding and construction netting has been removed from the landmarked Chase Manhattan Bank Building, aka the Queens Clock Tower, revealing the refurbished look of the Art Deco structure. This will be incorporated into the upcoming 50,000 square feet of office and retail space. Photographs looking closer at the clock tower show the extensive amount of work that was done to restore the brick and stone masonry.
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
Sven. Photo by Michael Young
The clock tower. Photo by Michael Young
The clock tower. Photo by Michael Young
Sven is slated to yield a total of 958 rental units, 300 of which will be set aside as affordable housing according to the Durst Organization. Residential 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 E, M, and R trains at the Queens Plaza station and the 7, N, and W trains at Queensboro Plaza are the nearest subway options to the property.
YIMBY last reported that Sven is expected to open sometime in 2021.
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Today, here in NYC is Sven’s kind of weather.
I remember in the early ’50s when I was a very young boy having my mother take me along to the City from Fresh Meadows; a bus to Main St. and then the Flushing IRT. The subway seats were a red type of leather and soft. I’d sit up on my knees looking out. When the train went upstairs, the world opened up. I never imagined, even as an adult, that Queens Plaza would become what it is today,thanks to the rezoning of one-third of the entire City. The Sven building is beautiful. In the hands of another architect, it would have smothered the Queens Savings Bank Bldg. Instead, it cradles and protects it.
Beautifully written
Agreed.
I used to critisize Sven, but I really should’ve kept my mouth closed. This building has actually turned out to become what I think is the best building to be built in Queens in recent years. The actual skyscraper’s glass and unique shape is just spectacular. But even more beautiful is the renovation and overall inclusion of the Chase Manhattan Bank Building with the skyscraper. Overall, I think Sven really tops the cake. Really really nice.
How do I apply for a studio or one bedroom apt how can I get an application
This is an office building…
This is a residential building… Not sure how one applies for the apartments
It’s a rental building. The pre application page can be found at Svenlic(dot)com
It’s been fun watching this skyscraper rise from my windows… Way across the East and Hudson rivers in Cliffside Park, NJ. Amazing that we can see about 25% of the tower from here.
Hello! Can I an application plsss!