Ask most people about Flushing, Queens and they’re likely to either stare blankly or venture “Where the Nanny is from?!” That all might change with the development of a 1.8 million sq. foot, $850 million megacomplex for the area. Dubbed Flushing Commons, the spacious, airy design (which is quite a change from the cramped, cluttered landscape that is the current neighborhood) will feature a landscaped plaza, shops, restaurants and residences and strive for LEED Silver certification. However the area is already a bit of a traffic nightmare (Flushing is home to the 3rd busiest intersection in New York City after Herald Square and Times Square), so the project faces some tough opposition from residents who are afraid of even more congestion.
Flushing Commons was designed by Perkins Eastman and is a joint venture between The Rockefeller Group and TDC Development and Construction Corporation. The project will boast up to 620 residential units, approximately 275,000 square feet of retail space, up to 234,000 square feet of office and/or hotel space, 36,000 square feet of community facility space, a 62,000 square-foot YMCA facility and parking for 1,600 cars. While details about the center’s green features have yet to be revealed, Perkins Eastman says, “As a benchmark of design excellence in urban design and sustainable architecture, the development will pursue a LEED Silver Certification.”
According to the developers, Flushing Commons is expected to create more than 2,600 construction jobs and 1,900 permanent jobs.
This project sounds amazing. Is it already approved for construction? If/when will it be complete? I, too, am looking forward to Flushing going from a run-down ethnic food spot to a green, cultural NYC destination.
As a native Flushing resident, I too have mix feelings about this project. I’m excited that there’s a sustainable project that’s gaining Flushing some positive PR but I’m not excited about the residential component being luxury condos They may be eco-conscious but I do not think they are socially conscious. The juxtaposition of a luxury condominiums across the street from low income housing projects, to me seems a bit socially inconsiderate. I do not think they have picked the right location for this project. Not to mention, the anchor retail stores are Target and BJ’s which will ruin all the small independent businesses in the community. (whatever is left of it)
Kudos to the architects for thinking of sustainability, but boo to the developers and re-gentrification.
I think it is extremely irresponsible to call this a “green” complex when it includes 1600 parking spaces in the heart of a transit-rich neighborhood.