14 THE QUEENS COURIER • JULY 1, 2021 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
Southeast Queens honors local entrepreneur with street co-naming
Astoria luxury condo development hits signifi cant milestone
BY PAUL JUNIOR PRUDENT
editorial@qns.com
@QNS
Th e Rowan, Astoria’s most luxurious
new condominium, continues to attract
buyers looking for high-quality new construction
condos that off er value relative
to other markets around the city.
Th is week, RockFarmer Properties
announced that Th e Rowan has sold more
than 70 percent of its condos. It is drawing
interested buyers who appreciate the quality
of the architecture, the high-end fi nishes
and amenity package in the neighborhood
they love.
Stephen Kliegerman, president of
Brown Harris Stevens Development
Marketing, said it’s an “impressive feat”
for such a luxury property to achieve 70
percent sold in today’s market.
“It’s an important milestone that signals
to buyers, brokers and lenders alike that
the building is and will continue to be a
highly successful development setting, a
new standard of quality in the Astoria
market,” Kliegerman said.
Th e Rowan, located at 21-21 31st St.,
features a terraced massing of light gray
brick masonry resting above a 210-footlong
glass retail base. It’s located just one
block from the N train.
In the past year, Th e Rowan has set two
new records for the highest price paid for
a condominium unit in Queens. Rowan’s
previous record-breaker, Penthouse D,
was sold for $1.65 million in October
2020.
Last March, one condo was sold for
more than $1.69 million.
Th e landscape-focused condominium
boasts a dramatic wood and glassenclosed
lobby that opens onto a lush private
sensory garden. Th e property has
been designed as a modern, amenity-rich
condominium development where natural
light, organic materials and native
plantings intertwine to create a peaceful
urban oasis.
According to Kliegerman, Th e Rowan
has received substantial interest from
local buyers that were yearning for a luxury
off ering with the right set of amenities,
private outdoor spaces and a short
commute to Manhattan.
“RockFarmer’s vision that has led to the
creation of a truly transformative, recordbreaking
project, redefi ning what’s possible
in Astoria,” he said.
The Rowan also features several
thoughtfully designed amenities including
a fi tness center; indoor and outdoor
lounge for residents with a kitchenette,
dining area and library, with direct access
to the building’s sensory garden; a children’s
playroom; a soundproof music
practice room; a pet spa; a package room;
and bicycle and storage spaces.
Residents will be able to enjoy an expansive
landscaped roof deck off ering sweeping
views of Manhattan that features an
outdoor kitchen with a barbecue station,
relaxation and dining areas as well as
private cabanas.
Th e Rowan has a part-time attended
lobby, fully automated parking
garage, virtual concierge and dedicated
building staff .
“Astoria has long been considered and
remains one of the best neighborhoods
in New York City to purchase a home,”
Managing Principal of RockFarmer
Properties George Michelis said.
Th e Rowan is located just 15 minutes
from Manhattan in the heart of Astoria’s
Ditmars neighborhood, near many of
the area’s best schools, restaurants, shops,
entertainment and nightlife.
For more information regarding sales
please visit Th eRowanAstoria.com.
Photo courtesy of The Rowan
The Rowan is a luxury condo building in Astoria.
BY BILL PARRY
bparry@schnepsmedia.com
@QNS
Southeast Queens honored
a trailblazing entrepreneur
as the corner of 137th
Avenue and 169th Street was
co-named in honor of Henry
Clayton on Th ursday, June 17.
During the ceremony, he was
remembered as a hard-working
role model and a community
minded small business
owner who co-founded
Henden Travel — the fi rst
Black-owned travel agency in
the Rochdale Village Center.
“Henry Clayton led an
extraordinary life of entrepreneurship,
service and joy.
From founding the fi rst Blackowned
travel agency in the
community to serving as a
role model for young people,
his contributions to southeast
Queens will never be forgotten,”
Councilwoman Adrienne
Adams said. “I was proud to
celebrate his life and impact
with Kevin Livingston, Tanisha
Phillips and the entire Clayton
family, as well as our local
elected offi cials. Now, just steps
away from his historic business,
members of our community
can look up to see the new
street sign that pays homage to
the legacy of Henry Clayton.”
Th e corner was co-named
“Henry Clayton Street,” with
the sign unveiled on what
would have been his 78th
birthday. Clayton died in
January 2019.
“We appreciate Council
member Adams and her staff
for honoring my dad’s memory
for generations to come,”
said Kevin Livingston, founder
of 100 Suits for 100 Men.
Born in Philadelphia on
June 17, 1943, Clayton spent
his early years in Harlem
before he was draft ed into the
U.S. Army, where he served
for two years. Aft er his military
service, Clayton worked
as a head teller and manager at
Carver Bank. He also worked
as a route salesman for Frito
Lay Company for 20 years,
servicing parts of Jamaica.
Following his entrepreneurial
dreams, Clayton later
entered a joint venture to start
his own pest control business,
C&H Exterminators. In March
1988, Clayton co-founded
Henden Travel on Foch
Boulevard with three employees.
Th ree years later, Clayton
and his travel agency secured a
storefront at Rochdale Village,
access the street from Citi
Bank. Henden Travel provided
services including a notary
public, airline ticketing, hotel
booking, travel insurance and
packaged tours.
“Henry Clayton, Jr. was a
fi ne citizen of Queens. His philanthropy
and entrepreneurship
have left a lasting legacy
throughout southeast Queens
and he deserves to have the
permanent honor of this street
renaming,” Queens District
Attorney Melinda Katz said.
“Everyone in this community
will have the opportunity
to celebrate Mr. Clayton’s
example.”
In 2003, Clayton and his wife
Denise, decided to leave the
cold weather behind and start
a new chapter in Melbourne,
Florida, where they enjoyed
their time with longtime
friends and neighbors. Clayton
also enjoyed Bible study every
other Saturday and outings at
his local Walmart.
“I was grateful to spend
time with Kevin Livingston
and his family as we celebrated
the life and legacy of his
father, Henry Clayton,” state
Senator Leroy Comrie said.
“Th anks to Council member
Adams for shepherding this
co-naming through the City
Council and bringing the community
together to celebrate a
man who lived a life worthy of
celebration and honor.”
“It is a pleasure to recognize
the many contributions
to the community of Henry
Clayton,” Assemblyman Clyde
Vanel said. “For generations,
the community will see his
name and know of his legacy.” Photo courtesy of Adams’ offi ce
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