Stimdel Properties, a subsidiary of the Uruguayan investment firm HC Corporation, has submitted plans to the New York City Department of City Planning for the erection of 612 new residential units in Astoria, Queens. The submission concerns the property at 12-12 33rd Avenue and was filed last week as a rezoning application.
The plans submitted by Stimdel envision the construction of five mixed-use buildings, varying in height between five and nine storeys. These buildings are set to encompass a total of 50,000 square feet of commercial and manufacturing space. A portion of the 612 residential units will be designated as affordable housing, according to the project description.
Details of the Undertaking
The area in question, located between 12th and 13th Street along 33rd Avenue in Queens, currently houses several single-storey industrial and office buildings. The landmarked Barkin, Levin & Company Office Pavilion building, which adjoins the development site, is to be preserved as part of the project, according to the submission.
Stimdel Properties stated in its application that the development site currently represents a non-conforming industrial use at the border of a residential neighbourhood in Astoria. The rezoning would enable the redevelopment of this underutilised block for a mix of uses. This includes local retail, community facilities, and a significant number of affordable residential units, which are intended to integrate into the existing residential and community fabric and create a coherent neighbourhood.
Next Steps and Context
The project description contains no information regarding the planned amenities for future residents. The application must still undergo various approval stages. These include a review by the City Planning Commission, an examination by the Community Board, and an appraisal by the Borough President.
News of this submission follows similar developments in Astoria. Only last month, Queens-based developers Dominick Acquista and Lorenzo Devardo submitted plans to replace three industrial buildings at 31-29 Vernon Boulevard in Astoria with a new 20-storey residential tower. This was reported by the Commercial Observer at the time.
