City Council Unanimously Passes Far Rockaway Rezoning

Often when we see New York talking about renovations, they're for Manhattan, so it’s wonderful when we see big changes happening for other boroughs — like this rezoning that has been approved for Far Rockaway in Queens!

PC: NYCEDC

What’s Happening?

The City Council has unanimously voted to approve a rezoning of 23 blocks in Far Rockaway as part of Mayor DeBlasio’s Housing Plan. This will be Far Rockaway’s first rezoning since 1961.

The Details:

The rezoning will allow for 3,000 residential units to be built across the 23 blocks. And what’s even better — the land is city property so all the units will be affordable. The project will also feature several new perks for the area including:

• A new library at Mott and Central Avenues
• A ferry shuttle to travel between Downtown Far Rockaway and Beach 108th Street
• A real-time bus arrival display

The Cost:

The project will cost about $288 million to complete, made up of $126 million of city funds with the rest being covered by federal government and private developer contributions.

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The American Museum of Natural History is Getting an Expansion

In a city with such a colorful past, it’s hard not to be, at least, a small history buff in New York City. Well for those of you who would prefer taking a trip down memory lane over a trip down Fifth Avenue, we’ve got good news. The American Museum of Natural History is going to be expanded over the next few years.

Copyright of AMNH/ D. Finnin

The Who:

The expansion received approval from the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission last fall and will be be spearheaded by Studio Gang Architects. The project will also include collaboration from Ralph Appelbaum of Ralph Appelbaum and Associates Architecture, Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architects, and Davis Brody Bond Architects.

The What:

The American Museum of Natural is getting a 245,000 square-foot expansion over six floors that will be known as the “Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation.” The center will be be home to a number of new exhibition and educational spaces. Several wings and buildings of the museum’s existing space will be reduced and adapted to accommodate the new Gilder Center.

The When:

Construction is scheduled to begin before the 2017 year ends and is hopefully going to be completed by 2020.

History buffs, get excited! For more NYC building news, follow follow AMAA on Facebook and Twitter!

AMAA is your source for structural inspections, mechanical inspections, civil inspections, and architectural inspections in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information.

A Major Retail Center is Coming To Staten Island

While there's no denying that you can get literally anything you desire in New York, wouldn't it be nice to not have to run to three different locations just to pick up a few things? Well, it seems like the city has been thinking that way and is putting a bigger focus on providing New Yorkers with high-quality shopping areas. One of the newest plans includes adding a new retail center, to be known as Riverside Galleria, to Staten Island.

Photo Credit: Studio V Architecture

The Details:

WF Liberty LLC is developing the project, with Studio V Architecture designing it. Construction is set to begin in 2018 and be completed by mid-2019.

The Numbers:

The Galleria will be made up of 589,618 square feet of space over three stories which will be divided into:

• 300,328 square feet of general retail space
• An 80,000 square foot supermarket
• 53,770 square feet of restaurants
• A 55,000 square foot cinema
• 1,721 parking spaces.

Getting Around:

The complex will be made up of several different buildings, rather that a single one. In addition to the 1,721 parking spaces, there will many private drives throughout the complex as well as many walkways for pedestrians. These walkways will also include elevated paths that will connect commercial spaces.

Why the Parking Spaces:

Staten Island happens to be an area with very little public transit, and that isn't changing just because of this shopping center. The parking spaces will allow patrons to easily get to and from the complex without having to struggle to find parking.

Staten Island, say hello to convenience. For more NYC building news, follow follow AMAA on Facebook and Twitter!

AMAA is your source for structural inspections, mechanical inspections, civil inspections, and architectural inspections in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information.

The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center is Coming to the WTC

As today marks the 16th anniversary of the attacks on September 11th, New Yorkers and those around the globe reflect on the moments that shook the U.S. as a nation and forever impacted our worlds. While we will never forget the cost of the attacks, it’s also important to move forward and continue to honor the lives of those we lost and celebrate the ones we still have — which is why we’re so glad to hear that a new performing arts center will be coming to the World Trade Center.

What’s Happening?

Billionaire Ronald Perelman has generously donated $75 million to help fund the new performing arts center, now aptly named for after him. The Robert O. Perelman Performing Arts Center will be located at 70 Vesey Street in the Financial District and will take the space currently used by the now-closed PATH station.

Who’s Handling the Project?

REX’s Joshua Prince-Ramus is designing the complex, which is being financed using Perelman’s donation in conjunction with a $100 million award from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation.

What Will the PAC Include?

As of now, there are plans for a Vehicle Security Center, which will be directly below the PAC. As for the center itself, there will be three separate theaters — with seating for approximately 499, 299, and 100 people each — that will also be able to be converted into a single theater that seats 1,200.

When is This Happening?

Groundbreaking on the project is set for 2018, while completion is not scheduled until 2020.

We will forever remember the events that took place on this day, 16 years ago, but we stand united as New Yorkers and we move forward as one.

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AMAA is your source for structural inspections, mechanical inspections, civil inspections, and architectural inspections in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information.

3 Hudson Boulevard Could Be Hudson Yards' Tallest Building

Back in the 1920s, Manhattan developers were in a race against each other to build the tallest skyscraper in the city. While that gave us the Woolworth Building, Empire State Building, and Chrysler Building, today's skyscrapers are creating a modern “race for the sky,” with 3 Hudson Boulevard making a leap towards the top.

PC: FXFOWLE

Designed by FXFOWLE, the new renderings of 3 Hudson Boulevard show the addition of a 300-foot spire that would make it the tallest building in the neighborhood. The Moinian Group, the developers on the project, have not confirmed or denied if the spire is definitely going to be included in the building’s final design. However, if it is, it would push the building’s height past that of 30 Hudson Yards.

Although the plans are not finalized, the tower portion of the building is expected to have 66 floors and include 1.8 million square feet of space. The bulk of of the building will be used as commercial space, although there is no plan against the creation of residential space, and the base will be covered in five floors of LED screens.

While foundation work for 30 Hudson Boulevard began in May of 2016, there is no completion date set yet.

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AMAA is your source for structural inspections, mechanical inspections, civil inspections, and architectural inspections in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more. Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information.