Jackson Heights Life

I'm fairly new to the nabe. What was there before this building was constructed? Or was was it a renovation of an old building?

the building was gutted in a fire a few years back. there was a very old school italian place called Armondo's on the corner occupied by Romeo's. they relocated to Northern Blvd. another old school (Argentinian) place called La Portena next door. they closed. the bank that's there was a tenant already. upper floor was a business school and a variety of offices. the skeleton of the building is exactly as it was.

I think they made a mistake in not listening to community input. All they wanted was to make the most rent- they seemed to have no vision about what type of business would help make that area a focal point of the neighborhood. Even if they had to take a lower rent amount, it seems like it would have made more sense to put in a business that people have been clamoring for (like a decent gym).

Yes, I remember the process after the fire when folks were talking about the renovation and who the space would be rented out to. The building does not have a single landlord per se - it's a group of the collected heirs of the Bruson family, who live scattered around the country and who gave instructions simply to maximize their investment. They have no interest in creating a community amenity, they're just trying to get the rent they can get, and there's no real single decision-maker to pressure.

But at least it isn't a Popeye's and a McDonald's, which was at one point on one of the proposals.

people who want a gym want 24 hour access, and that would result in a lot of extra security personnel. but yes, not a fast food joint.

I’m perfectly happy with my gym’s hours (nysc). They’re open til 11 pm weekdays and 9 pm weekends. I’m not really sure how many people need to work out between 11 pm and 4:30 or 5 am.