Local elected officials joined a real estate development firm and project partners for the grand opening of a new mixed-use development in downtown Jamaica.
On Thursday, July 25, BRP Companies celebrated the grand opening of The Monarch, a 25-story, 605-unit mixed-use development located at 92-29 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. Many elected officials, including Council Member Nantasha Williams (D-27) and Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-5), said the opening of The Monarch marked a significant milestone for downtown Jamaica.
“This development not only provides modern, high-quality residences but also fosters a sense of community through its diverse amenities and local artist engagement. BRP Companies has truly delivered a transformative project that reflects our shared vision for a thriving, inclusive Jamaica,” Williams said.
Of the 605 units, 182 have been set aside for those earning between 80% and 130% of the area median income (AMI). The project also includes four murals that stretch almost 291 linear feet—about the length of a football field—along the Long Island Rail Road retaining wall across the street.
Meeks echoed Williams’ views, adding that the development brings more affordable housing options amid the current affordable housing crisis.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams emphasized the importance of pursuing equitable housing developments across the city. “Through its community spaces and affordable housing options, this mixed-use building will help uplift downtown Jamaica, strengthening it as a hub for Queens. I look forward to the Council’s work with stakeholders across the city to deliver even more accessible housing solutions for all New Yorkers,” she said.
Meredith Marshall, co-founder and managing partner of BRP Companies, said The Monarch is the company’s third major development in Jamaica. Marshall said the development will have an “overwhelmingly positive impact on the community.”
Goldman Sachs helped finance the project. The development is also part of Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women initiative, a $10 billion investment commitment to help drive economic opportunity for at least one million Black women by 2030. Jessica Taylor, national director of One Million Black Women, said The Monarch is the first completed affordable housing project through the program.
Located blocks away from Jamaica Terminal, The Monarch features a mix of one-bedroom (498) and two-bedroom (107) residencies. The units feature in-unit washers and dryers, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling windows. The development has shared resident amenity spaces, including indoor basketball and pickleball courts, a golf simulator, a fitness center and a yoga studio. Other features include a resident lounge, conference room and movie room. The Monarch has 231 parking spaces and 14,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.
Seven Willow Collaborative, a real estate and cultural advisory firm, partnered with BRP Companies to commission NYC-based artists for four murals along the Long Island Rail Road wall across the street from the development.
