Construction of Magnolia Gardens, an upcoming 7-story transitional residential and community facility at 39-03 College Point Blvd. in Flushing, is beginning to take shape, with facade installation now being performed.
Based on the renderings of the building, Magnolia Gardens will have white brick and gray metal paneling covering the exterior, with the northeast corner being wrapped with a frame of copper-hued metal. The copper trim will also be present at a smaller scale in staggered boxes around recessed windows near the corner of the building, as well as for frames around windows on the outer wings of the building.
Floor-to-ceiling windows will be present on the ground floor. Culminating the structure is a flat parapet that will be topped with a photovoltaic canopy, which will help provide solar energy to the building.
As of late January 2025, the construction crews have started to prepare the exterior of the structure for facade installation behind scaffolding and black netting. Pink paint is currently being applied to the cinderblock walls ahead of the installation of the white brick and gray metal paneling.
The completed building is expected to be 72 feet tall and yield 62,932 square feet of community facility space. Kitchens and bathrooms will be available inside each family unit. The community room will be accessible to the public. Additionally, the future building will have 24/7 security on hand. There will also be a rear yard measuring 30 feet long.
Magnolia Gardens has faced opposition from local residents and community leaders in the past. In June 2022, members of the Flushing community, including elected officials and business owners, protested against the development, voicing concerns over the impact of a transitional housing facility in the neighborhood. Critics argued that the project lacked transparency and proper community engagement, while others feared it could negatively affect local businesses and property values.
Despite the pushback, supporters emphasized the need for supportive housing and essential services for vulnerable populations in Queens. The project ultimately moved forward with the backing of the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development and nonprofit organizations committed to addressing homelessness.
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development is sponsoring 90 supportive housing units there. The available facilities at Magnolia Gardens will be managed by the Urban Resource Institute and the Department of Homeless Services.
The Urban Resource Institute has proposed the building also include a digital fabrication lab, which would help clients, youths in the community and other building residents develop and hone skills that can aid them in future occupational pursuits.
Urban Architectural Initiatives designed Magnolia Gardens. The building is being developed by Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) under Magnolia Gardens Developer Inc. Prior to the start of construction, 39-03 College Point Blvd. was occupied by a vacant lot for several years.
Groundbreaking for this project occurred in March 2024. While the anticipated completion date of Magnolia Gardens is listed as spring 2025, it is more likely to be finished towards the end of the year.
