As the new Hunters Point Library nears completion, another new library in Queens is open to the public. On Tuesday, the Elmhurst Community Library, a branch of the Queens Library, opened its doors.
Over the past few years, Long Island City has developed a proud skyline, and the Steven Holl-designed Hunters Point Library will become its latest iconic public building. The space will serve as a much-needed civic hub in this still-developing waterfront residential district. Recently, we had an opportunity to tour the site, which will soon become one of the city’s most striking public spaces.
The nine-story project at 42-50 27th Street is well on its way to joining Court Square’s impressive roster of new residential properties, which are transforming Long Island City beyond recognition. At the moment, the concrete frame is complete, metal stud framing is installed along the lot walls, and scaffolds wrap the structure in preparation for exterior work. Ampiera Group is developing the 32-unit project, and My Architect PC is designing it.
In April 2014 we interviewed developer Sam Charney of Charney Construction and Development. Among other things, he spoke about Long Island City’s 11-51 47th Avenue, now known as the Jackson. Since then, we have followed the building’s progress, starting when the site was cleared at the end of 2015 up until its recent topping-out. Today we revisit the project with Charney and the building’s architect, Chris Fogarty of Fogarty Finger.
The nine-story Dutch LIC at 25-19 43rd Avenue has been topped out within the past month and is starting to receive exterior cladding, as red brick climbs along its eastern façade. Even in its unfinished state, the 86-unit residential project leaves a distinctive mark in Long Island City’s booming Court Square district. The design by GF55 Partners appears conventional from many angles. The building is notable for its sharp-angled south corner, anchored by a heavy steel truss at the base. Both of the striking features were conceived as responses to a challenging site. The project is built by Ekstein Development, with EFT Skyline Construction LLC serving as the general contractor.
