First 5Pointz-replacing tower tops out in Long Island City
Construction progress as of late-October, via CityRealty
The first tower of the controversial rental complex in Long Island City, 5Pointz, has officially topped out, although not without some roadblocks. Once an art studio and exhibition space, known for its vibrant graffiti-covered warehouse, the complex was whitewashed of its iconic murals in 2013, making way for the new development. Now, four years and several lawsuits later, construction of the development at 22-44 Jackson Avenue continues to chug along, with its first and tallest tower topping out this week. As CityRealty discovered, David Wolkoff’s 1.4 million-square-foot plan calls for a 47-story tower and a 41-story tower, with 1,115 apartments total.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Construction of 5Pointz is underway, via CityRealty
Before the development boom of Long Island City, the warehouse-filled neighborhood served as the perfect spot for artists to work. In 1993 real estate developer, Jerry Wolkoff allowed a group of graffiti artists to tag his buildings at 45-46 Davis Street with colorful murals. While 5Pointz attracted visitors with its unique displays of art, Wolkoff eventually tore down the complex in 2014 after whitewashing the murals.
Even though the group of artists attempted to stop the building’s demolition, by asking the city to mark it as a landmark and trying to buy the complex themselves, they failed. Instead, the artists filed suit after Wolkoff destroyed roughly 11,000 murals, without giving them a proper warning, as the New York Times reported. The trial, which began in October, will question whether the artists’ work will be seen as worth preserving, or if building up the Queens neighborhood is more valuable.
Common area rendering of 22-44 Jackson Avenue via Mojo Stumer
Outdoor space planned for between the two towers, via HTO Architect
Despite the ongoing court case, G&M Realty’s construction of 5Pointz continues. In addition to the 1,115 units in two buildings, there will be 20 artists studios and 40,000-square-feet of retail. Amenities of the proposed complex include a climbing wall, swimming pool and private park located between the towers. HTO Architect is designing the two towers, which CityRealty called a “bland pair of buildings.”
Fitness center rendering, via Mojo Stumer
Rendering courtesy of Mojo Stumer
Rendering courtesy of Mojo Stumer
The interiors, designed by Mojo Stumer Associates, will feature graffiti-inspired artwork throughout, including a graffiti-style logo behind the lobby’s front desk. The second tower is expected to top out soon, with the entire development slated to open in late 2018.
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