Complex: Flushing Commons

The Flushing Commons project broke ground in June 2014. Phase 1 of the project is anticipated to be completed by end of 2017.

Flushing Commons is a joint venture of F&T Group, the Rockefeller Group Development Corporation, and AECOM Capital to redevelop a five-acre site in Downtown Flushing, Queens. The project will transform what was a municipal parking lot into a vibrant new mixed-use development, creating approximately 2,600 construction jobs and 1,900 permanent jobs. The project architect is award-winning Perkins Eastman.

The Flushing Commons development includes:

• 1.5-acre town square consisting of an open space with a fountain plaza, that will be large enough to support community-sponsored cultural events and performances (Phase II)

• 1,600 parking spaces over two phases with short-term parking at below-market rates, in response to community requests

• 62,000-square-foot state-of-the-art YMCA featuring amenities such as a swimming pool, basketball courts, a running track, an exercise room, and daycare, with memberships available to community residents (Phase II)

• 36,000 square feet of community space (Phase II)

• 53,000 square feet of retail space, including local and national retailers and restaurants

• 164,000 square feet of office space

• Approximately 600 residential condominium units across two phases

The project will incorporate low-impact development techniques and green building technologies to achieve LEED certification. The developer is committed to establishing job training programs to encourage hiring from the local community during construction and in permanent positions afterward. New York City will provide $2 million in assistance to small businesses that are impacted by the construction of the Flushing Commons project. Dynamic retail option with outdoor cafes and seating areas will complement, not compete, with existing retail supply.
“The Flushing Commons proposal features dynamic retail choices, reasonable parking solutions, and much-needed community amenities that will benefit the entire neighborhood and attract visitors to the area,” said former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “It also provides an attractive town square area that will become the center of community activity, which was a major recommendation of the Development Framework for Downtown Flushing.”