2006 Queens Business Book

Chances are, if you have recently traveled through downtown Flushing, you might have noticed quite a bit of construction going on near 39th Avenue and Main Street. For the next decade, expect a lot more.

Located in the heart of the borough’s most populated area is Queens Crossing – at least, it will be there soon. Its high-rise skeletal frame is shaping into a 149-foot tall structure with 12 floors of mixed-use space. It will include 110,000 square feet of retail space, 37,000 square feet for entertainment and dining, a full community facility, 144,000 square feet of office space and 86,000 square feet for valet parking.

And it is just one of TDC Development and Construction Corporation’s projects in Flushing.

Deep Roots

The group that designed Flushing’s latest mega structure was started by Taiwanese born Michael Lee 20 years ago. According to TDC President Michael Meyer, “We sell ourselves as a natural conduit for a global community.”

As one of Flushing’s major developers, TDC prides itself on its ability to bring Asian design models to an area already known for its Far East culture. According to Meyer, when it comes to overseas development, TDC looks to fit the demand for American concepts.

Here in Queens, some of the group’s past projects include the 2002 award winning Sanford Tower and Prince Center. Located at 39-07 Prince St., a six story commercial building with 110,000 square feet of space was noted by the Queens Chamber of Commerce for its design. The 134,200 square foot Sanford Tower houses 82 residential units on 14 floors and was also recognized by the Queens Chamber.

The group is also responsible for the design of the Flushing Mall, the 30,000 square foot TDC Center on 41st Road, where it houses its offices, and dozens of other completed projects throughout Flushing.

Eye On The Future

Although TDC has experienced a vast amount of success with developments that are familiar sights to Flushing residents, some might say TDC has just begun to put its stamp on the neighborhood.

Now that Queens Crossing is well underway, two other major developments, ones that are even larger and more expansive, could soon be on the horizon.

Municipal Lot 1, located directly across 138th Street from Queens Crossing, is currently in the planning process to be the area’s next premier development. Since 1954, the former city owned parking facility acted as a driver’s stopping point upon entering downtown Flushing or heading to the nearby Number 7 train stop on Roosevelt Avenue.

The lot’s five acres holds more than 1,100 parking spaces on two tiers. It brings in millions of dollars each year in revenue, but many have said for some time, that it is underutilized.

Flushing Commons is planned for Municipal Lot 1.

In 2005, the city took bids on its future. Finalists included some of the city’s biggest developers and TDC landed on top. Some $500 million has now been allocated for the site, which is expected to include a one-acre town square of open space with a fountain plaza, parking for 2,000 cars at below market rates, a 50,000 square foot recreational center featuring such amenities as a swimming pool, basketball courts and a gym, a business class hotel, 500 residential units, 350,000 square feet of retail space, restaurants, a multiplex movie theater, 20,000 square feet of community space and 15,000 square feet for small professional businesses.

This development brings big market commerce to downtown Flushing to coincide with the area’s large population.

Answering The Critics

Preservations, however, claim the project will be a complete disaster for area businesses during its expected five-year construction period. They also feel the area cannot handle that much more growth. Some also say the proposed parking additions are not nearly half of what is needed already.

To TDC’s president, though, “It’s a win, win, win,” said Meyer. “What we will bring is mainstream America to balance the local feel.”

Meyer said the group’s goal with the Flushing Commons project is to bring back American bred businesses, which have nearly been shut out of Flushing since the Asian population boom back in the 1960s. Just passing through Flushing, an attempt to find an American-based company can be foolhardy. Even English signage across the tops and sides of structures is something the area has been without for decades.

The project’s condominium style apartments will be targeted to suit the needs of the local community, retaining some of the Asian culture within its development, Meyer said. But retail and dining facilities, though, will be geared to a more typical American consumer – not competing with the Asian businesses, and drawing additional interest from outside the Asian community.

Getting The Point?

With the size and scope of the proposed Flushing Commons, one would have to wonder if TDC might take a break as they prepare to embark on Flushing’s 21st century boom.

The answer of course is – Not a chance, as TDC has now been selected as one of the finalists in the Willets Point development plan.

Queens Crossing is under construction. .

Located on the outskirts of Shea Stadium, what has been known as the Iron Triangle for decades has been an eyesore for some, where stretches of unpaved roads surround small auto body and repair shops.

For shop owners, they are not only competing within spitting distance of each other in the Iron Triangle, but now they are faced with the possibly having to relocate.

For more than a year now, the city has planned to move the shops and build a convention center to coincide with the opening of the new Mets Stadium in 2009.

According to Meyer, their design calls for developing 1 million square feet of space. The proposal includes a “trade center concept,” he said, with mixed showroom, hotel, convention and office space.

About the design, “It would knock your socks off,” said Meyer, who added that renderings could not be made public because of city regulations, but the hopes are that TDC will again, come out on top in the bidding battle over Willets Point.

“I think Flushing is one of the hottest areas right now outside of Manhattan,” said Meyer. “In the next 10 years, it will see a huge transformation.”