73-37 Austin St

Sizable residences with solid bones and room for improvement

“The Holland House has all the trappings of a Park Avenue residence, along with views of the Manhattan skyline and three bridges,” noted local historian and building resident Bill Safka is quoted saying in the Rego-Forest Preservation Council article. “Bing Crosby and Dixie Lee often visited a penthouse resident.” While much of this illustrious history is still evidenced throughout the building, there’s room for improvement when it comes to bringing many of the units and common areas up to contemporary standards. “The board is very amenable to shareholders renovating their homes,” Goldman notes. “Many have opened up walls to establish a better spatial flow and create open-concept entertainment spaces.” While one-bedrooms — most residences here — range from $300,000 to $450,000, a few combined two-bedrooms can fetch upwards of $700,000. Slight price variations often reflect the condition and how recently previous owners carried out renovations.

Minimal amenities but a community garden that gets cared for and well utilized

The lobby — helmed by a daytime door attendant — is clad in solid wood paneling and Dutch Revival ornamentation. “It’s stately and, along with the wide hallways, is well maintained but could use a refresh,” Goldman adds. Though 73-37 Austin Street once featured an extensive maid staff when it operated as a rental building, it’s now managed by an external company. That said, the board is very active. The main amenity is the previously mentioned backyard that runs the entire length of the structure. “The building takes pride in its garden,” Safka explains. “I helped plan and plant much of the flower beds. Way back, brides would take their wedding photos in front of our magnolia trees.” There’s a strong sense of community here with this outdoor space playing host to numerous sponsored events throughout the year. As none of the residences can contain in-unit washer/dryers, there’s a large laundry room in the basement next to a sizable storage space and a bike room.

Everything idyllic Forest Hills has to offer and ample transportation links

“Aside from the garden, there’s a great park across the street with a children’s area and basketball courts,” Goldman explains. While Ehrenreich-Austin Playground is just down the street, the much larger Forest Park further south is an expansive hilltop woodland with miles of walking and cycling paths. Also nearby, Forest Hill Stadium is a former tennis center turned major concert venue but with a 10 pm curfew. The Community House is a non-profit with a heated pool. For residents who commute into Manhattan for work, the 75th Avenue subway station just up the street is served by E and F lines. A trip to Midtown takes just over half an hour. For those that keep their cars in monthly rated garages managed by nearby condominiums, there are onramps to the Jackie Robinson and Grand Central parkways, as well as the Van Wyck Expressway, half a mile down adjacent Queens Boulevard. The Long Island Railroad also serves Forest Hills. Various lines connect through Jamaica Center, a gateway to JFK Airport and most other parts of the region. Its elevated tracks run right across the building and can account for some noise pollution, especially in units on lower floors.

A historic commercial district with measures in place to curb gentrification and traffic, Austin Street abounds with a healthy mix of big-box essential service and independent businesses. These include CVS and Trader Joe's but also owner-operated boutiques such as Diva Hot Couture, Foxes and Chezmoi Studio. Reflective of Queens’ status as an incredibly diverse cultural melting pot, this stretch also plays host to restaurants specializing in a wide range of cuisines. Popular haunts include Irish-themed Tap House, ramen go-to Tamashii and brunch spot Rove.