Evolution
LIC’s strategic location and key assets
have enabled LIC to be the country’s
longest, continuously active, center
of production. Even as changing
technologies and economic shifts
have challenged commercial districts,
LIC has been quick to evolve. Today,
LIC continues to thrive as an urban
model of innovation and advanced
manufacturing, attracting a talented
workforce and fostering unique
cross-sector partnerships. Named the
country’s fastest growing residential
neighborhood in 2018, LIC’s retail
offerings have more than doubled in
2019, making it a desirable place to
live, work, learn, and create. LIC is
a 21st Century authentic mixed-use
community.
Credit: Greater Astoria Historical Society
40 Years of Long Island City
Over the last 40 years, there have been many transformative events in the LIC community. The Citi tower rose and JetBlue
Airways arrived, Silvercup Bakery became Silvercup Studios, the Standard Motor Products building sprouted a rooftop
farm, furniture warehouses got reprogrammed for advanced manufacturing, and a former elementary school (P.S.1) became
MoMA PS1. The waterfront evolved from the former Pepsi bottling plant to a home for thousands of residents and worldclass
waterfront parks, Queens Plaza became Dutch Kills Green and a home to many large employers, and the Court Square
subway station united multiple train lines.
Today, Long Island City is more than just a quick jaunt to midtown Manhattan: it continues to establish itself as a modern city
embracing its mixed-use community. Between LIC’s libraries of stained glass, creative factories, new hotels, local breweries,
restaurants with authentic world cuisine, public parks, makerspaces, and thriving local retail, there’s a mix here unlike any
other where you can meet anyone you need and make your future.
#LICSummit 13