Queens Family Courthouse To Be Revitalized

Downtown Jamaica is getting a new look. Plans for 400 residential units, increased retail space and land for community and cultural use are now being discussed. This comes after the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) awarded The Dermot Company the two-acre site of the former Queens Family Courthouse.
In addition to the housing units, the proposed project will provide over 18,500 square feet for retailers, 25,000 square feet for community use and close to 190 new parking spaces.
“The revitalization of downtown Jamaica is one of my priorities. That is why I am delighted that this former courthouse will be brought back to life with mixed income housing, retail space and community uses, including a potential library,” Borough President Helen Marshall said. “This entire project will continue to enhance the attractiveness of Jamaica as a great place to live, work and shop.”
The developer expects to knock down the three-story annex building at the current site, but preserve the Italian Renaissance-style faade of the courthouse building. The project, which will cost $130 million and provide 750 construction jobs and 80 permanent jobs.
“I think they [the plans] are excellent; this is an opinion that is shared by the EDC, local community leaders and many others,” City Councilman James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) said. “It is going to be revitalized in an extraordinary way.”
The Dermot Company anticipates that about 300 of the residential units will be either low-income, middle-income or market rate units while the remainder will be affordable co-ops. In addition, the site will also contain a health club, clubhouse and outdoor terrace.
“We have to do whatever we can to create more housing and also more community centers, and this will provide both,” Gennaro said. “I know the development will be extraordinarily successful. It is the latest in a series of wonderful things to happen to downtown Jamaica.”
Earlier this year, The Dermot Company successfully completed a 388-rental unit project at The Opal in Kew Gardens Hills. For this project Dermot will work with Fox & Fowle Architects and construction manager Kajima Construction Services while Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson LLC will provide the legal services.
Pete Davis is a freelance writer