By Peter Sorkin
The building, which costs $2.3 billion and covers 74 acres of land in Hunters Point, is being built by AvalonBay Communities at Queens West.
Pataki said the new project would help Queens' economy continue to grow.
“Queens West is an outstanding example of the great things we can accomplish when the public and private sectors work together toward a common goal,” he said. “The future has never looked brighter for the borough of Queens and this exciting new project will provide greater public access to the waterfront, offer one of the city's most spectacular views, and add even more momentum to Queens' ongoing economic resurgence.”
The new building will be located on Center Boulevard, directly across the East River from the United Nations, officials said. The first building will be located between 49th and 50th avenues and will be known as Avalon Riverview. It will cost $103.5 million and will be 32 stories high, providing space for 372 apartments and a 130-car parking garage. It is expected to open in spring 2002.
Avalon's plans for three residential buildings completes the first stage of the Queens West project, which includes the 40-story, 522 co-operative Citylights apartment building that opened in April 1998; Gantry Plaza State Park, a 2.5-acre park that opened in 1998; PS 78Q, a 17,500-square-foot public school for pre-K to fifth grade; the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens' planned 80 residential units; and 97,500 square feet in new commercial and retail space.
Giuliani praised the groundbreaking and said it was a significant step in the development of Queens West.
“When complete, AvalonBay Towers will provide new homes for more than a thousand New Yorkers as well as approximately 75,000 square feet of retail space,” he said. “Our efforts in developing Queens West serves as another example of what we can achieve when the public and the private sectors work together for the benefit of all New Yorkers.
Shulman agreed with the mayor.
“Avalon Riverview's 372 units of market-rate rental housing are a sure success and another step forward in fulfilling the Queens West project,” she said.
