A View from the Top

BY MICHAEL STAHL 

History was made last month as the tallest building in New York City outside of Manhattan, Tower 28 in Long Island City, was topped off. Douglas Partrick, owner of Heatherwood Communities, the development firm behind the luxury rental building, took in the views from the 58th floor that same day for the first time.

He saw all of the area’s bridges, every inch of the city’s iconic skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and ships sailing the Atlantic Ocean—and it wasn’t even a completely clear day.

Formerly dubbed 28 on 28th, Partrick says the building’s construction is running right on schedule, with occupancy set to begin in mid to late fall. When it does, those fortunate enough to secure an apartment at Tower 28 will be able to enjoy the same unobstructed vistas from either the indoor or outdoor observation area on the 58th floor as part of an extensive amenities package.

“People like the idea of being in a building that includes a virtual neighborhood inside of it,” Partrick said prior to his team’s topping-off party, marking the construction milestone. “They’re attracted to a lifestyle that exists within a residential building, and a sense of community.”

He envisions residents commiserating openly at the two observation decks and lounges located on the 58th floor as well as the 47th floor. The third floor will be completely devoted to more amenities, including an outdoor deck, and the second floor will be home to a 50-car parking garage. But there will also be another five-floor building entirely devoted to amenities on 27th Street. Called The Beach House, it will include an Olympic-size indoor swimming pool, theater media room, sauna, lounges, full-size gym, yoga area, and catering kitchen for parties. Additional residents’ storage units will be found in the cellar.

Partrick said Tower 28 will also house roughly 6,000 square feet of commercial space for which his company will soon seek occupants. “I have a wish list of who I’d like to see there,” he said of the storefronts that will be adjacent to the main lobby, “but the market will really dictate who will rent out the spaces.”

Stretching 646 feet and eight inches into the sky, and spanning 476,600 square feet, the building will contain 449 apartments. Renters can choose one of the 130 studios with five different layouts ranging between 427 square feet and 528 square feet, or one of the 187 one-bedroom abodes that may include a balcony. There will be 104 two-bedroom apartments with four variations and square footage from 936 square feet to 1,036 square feet, as well as 26 three-bedroom apartments measuring either 1,305 square feet or 1,644 square feet. Each three-bedroom home will have a 5’x13’ balcony. The two penthouses on the 57th floor will also feature three bedrooms; one will span 1,486 square feet and include a 5’x21’ balcony, while the other will span 1,305 square feet. Initial building plans did not include any three-bedroom homes, but Partrick and co. now anticipate there will be a growing market in Long Island City for apartments that can house families alongside units suited for young professionals.

Photo by Bruce Adler

It’s too soon for Heatherwood Communities to announce rent rates, but Partrick noted last year that the local market is creating a range of $45-$55 per square foot. A current availability in Heatherwood’s neighboring 27 on 27th building—a 491-square-foot studio—costs $2,475 per month.

Though challenging to place anything “above” the actual layout of this gigantic building, Partrick emphasizes that the services his clients will receive at Tower 28 are of optimum value to him. (He even told one story of how a tenant at 27 on 27th jokingly complained the building’s superintendent showed up to address a need too quickly and didn’t give the occupant enough time to prepare for the visit.)

“In the end, my success is predicated on my residents’ happiness,” Partrick said.

Soon Western Queens will find out if the quality within Tower 28 can actually match the expectations set by its sizable frame.