By Alex Robinson
Developers have filed an application to rezone a supermarket to build a new hotel in downtown Flushing, according to city records.
Chris and George Xu, who head the Century Construction Group Corp., are looking to build a 214,000 square-foot mixed-use building on the site of the Great Wall Supermarket, at 137-45 Northern Blvd. The rezoning would allow for an 11-story building which would include the 191-room hotel as well as 43 residential units, 11,000 square-feet of retail space and a 7,890-square-foot community facility. The Xus’ proposal also includes 155 parking spaces and 33 spots where bicycles can be locked up.
The rezoning would also affect portions of lots that are adjacent to the main site, where a 25,000-square-foot supermarket currently sits along with a 38-space parking lot.
The Xus, who could not be reached for comment, have long been involved in developing residential sites and building hotels in Flushing, including the Marriott Fairfield at the corner of College Point Boulevard and 30th Avenue.
The city has initiated the public approvals process, called the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, which will see the zoning application go before Community Board 7 and Borough President Melinda Katz for hearings and recommendations. It will then go to the City Planning Commission for approval before the City Council will get the last say.
If approved, the project is expected to be completed by 2017.
Reach reporter Alex Robinson by e-mail at arobinson@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4566.
