FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com november 6, 2014 • THE COURIER SUN 29 real estate ▶ Renderings courtesy of BKSK Architects First phase renovation of former World’s Fair office building complete BY LIAM LA GUERRE The addition features distinctive exposed steel lguerre@queenscourier.com/@liamlaguerre to honor the original design of the building. The renovated structure includes Kebony wood for the The revitalization of a World’s Fair relic is nearing walkways, complimented by steel railings and stainless completion, and it’s not the New York State Pavilion. steel cabling. The first phase of renovation and expansion of the “One of the chief goals of this project has been Olmsted Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park has to create an indoor workplace environment that concluded, BKSK Architects announced on Oct. 30. strengthens the connection between agency staff and Aside from revitalizing the building, which was the parks they serve throughout the city,” said BKSK constructed in 1964 and used as temporary offices for partner-in-charge Joan Krevlin. “We sought design Robert Moses and the World’s Fair Corporation staff opportunities that heighten awareness of the park during the colossal event, the project includes a new landscape beyond their windows.” 10,000-square-foot addition. The Parks Department’s Capital Projects Division currently uses the Olmsted Center, and now has several new offices, a new meeting room and a new public procurement and bidding room with the revitalization. The first phase of construction also included new siding to improve the center’s resistance to weather, and reconfiguration of the interior to accommodate employees and people with disabilities. Inspired by the effects of Superstorm Sandy, the second phase of the project will technologically enhance the building and resolve flooding problems with a new water channel system to lead water into bioswales that will contain and absorb it. The second phase will commence in early 2015. New $32M housing complex opens in downtown Jamaica BY LIAM LA GUERRE lguerre@queenscourier.com/@liamlaguerre A 101-apartment complex has officially opened in downtown Jamaica. Developer The Bluestone Organization and representatives from various city agencies held a ceremonial ribbon cutting for the nine-story twin Norman Towers at 90-14 161st St. The $32.2 million buildings consist of seven studios, 72 one-bedroom units and 21 two-bedroom units. There is also one two-bedroom apartment for a superintendent. New office space in the towers will serve as Bluestone’s headquarters, and there are 51 parking spaces for tenants. There is an additional 5,773 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and 4,063 square feet of retail space in the towers as well. “Downtown Jamaica is back and on its way up,” said Carlisle Towery, president of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation. “We welcome Norman Towers, a model development — mixedincome affordable housing, a new restaurant in a Photos courtesy of The Bluestone Organization beautifully designed building. Norman Towers will utilize Jamaica’s attributes and bring new jobs. It will contribute to livability here.” Twenty percent of the building caters to low-income residents. Three apartments are for tenants earning up to 40 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) or no more than $33,200 annually for a family of four. Seventeen apartments serve households earning up to 50 percent AMI, or no more than $41,500 annually for a family of four. The buildings feature a cogeneration system that uses a natural gas-fueled engine to generate electricity. There are also roof gardens and every apartment has Energy Star appliances and lighting.
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