New York state Senator Michael Gianaris has revealed plans to construct a new planetarium at 21-12 30th Road in Astoria, Queens. Construction of the planetarium is a major facet of plans to renovate the site’s existing building which currently houses the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, a non-profit organization that offers youth development, physical fitness, and seasonal programming for local children and teens.
The Yonkers Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has approved five new residential and commercial developments across the waterfront city. The developments are projected to create more than 600 construction jobs and over 300 apartments, including affordable housing for low-income seniors.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, in partnership with NJ Transit and Amtrak, approved a contract for the redesign of Penn Station, a project that could cost the city $7 billion. The joint venture project team includes architect of record FXCollaborative, global engineering firm WSP, and British design studio John McAslan and Partners which will serve as a design consultant.
Silverstein Properties has repurposed vacant commercial space on the ground floor of 529 Fifth Avenue in Midtown into an interactive public art space. Dubbed “Wonderland Dreams,” the exhibit invites patrons to explore an immersive 3D painting created in partnership with artist Alexa Meade and Catching Flights.
Construction is complete on The Kira, a 139-unit affordable and supportive housing project at 153-19 Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica, Queens. Designed by GF55 Partners and developed by New Destiny Housing, BFC Partners, and SMJ Development, the 21-story mixed-use building houses a mix of rental apartments, a 5,000-square-foot retail space on the ground floor, and on-site supportive services.
