Prewar condos are rare, especially in Jackson Heights, making 76-15 35th Ave., better known as The Colton, a special find. The six-story structure joined a handful of new apartment buildings that were finished in 1939 — toward the end of the Great Depression — and became part of the newly formed Jackson Heights Historic District in 1993. The district comprises brick buildings from 1914 to 1939, a time when the burgeoning neighborhood was conceived as a garden and co-op community — the first of its kind in the U.S. As such, this development spawned the term “garden apartment,” after the 15 or so garden-centric buildings that comprise this section. These tended to be low-rise buildings with a central courtyard. An upper-crust-sounding name was bestowed on each, just as each was inspired by earlier architectural styles ranging from Romanesque Revival to Art Moderne. The Colton is not the most architecturally notable of these and it’s on the edge of the district on 76th Street, but the attractive full-block building still possesses an impressive entrance and four distinct wings surrounding an interior courtyard.
Large layouts filled with prewar charm
It’s fair to say that practically all of the 96 apartments have been renovated numerous times through the decades, yet some prewar features endure. These include 9-foot ceilings, arched doorways, windowed galley kitchens, original parquet floors, plentiful closets, large windows and formal foyers. More recent renovations have opened up kitchens and added built-in bookshelves, recessed lighting, dishwashers, marble counters, double-pane windows, stainless-steel appliances and custom cabinets. Window air conditioners are the main cooling option and some apartments have Juliet balconies.
Floor plans are generous in this well-maintained building, with one-bedrooms representing the majority, followed by two-bedrooms. The smallest one-bedroom starts at 725 square feet, but most average closer to 1,000 square feet. A 2024 listing priced one that was a little smaller than 1,000 square feet for $549,000. Two-bedrooms offer between 1,000 to 1,250 square feet; a fully renovated unit commanded $890,000 in 2024. There are only a handful of studios and three-bedrooms; the former average 550 square feet with no recent sales while three-bedrooms encompass 1,500 square feet and accommodate a separate kitchen and dedicated dining room. A 2024 three-bedroom went for $846,000. As an investor-friendly property that allows immediate subletting, about half of the units are rental homes.
Interior courtyard and newer roof deck
The white portico entrance with Grecian columns and dentil molding above an arched doorway is the most distinctive feature of the red-brick facade, which is split into different wings. As was the style in the garden district, the landscaped entrance is set back from the curb and creates a relaxed vibe. That vibe continues in the interior courtyard and on the roof deck, a small but well-furnished space complemented by an abundance of plants with the Manhattan skyline visible in the distance. Amenities also include a bike room and a recently renovated fitness center whose glass wall makes it seem larger. A common laundry room is bright and well-equipped with newer machines, with a live-in super staying on top of building and unit repairs. Staff also includes a part-time door attendant.
Historic, residential section close to transportation and diverse businesses
The surrounding streets are populated with trees and gardens, while residents are just a block from bustling 37th Avenue and its many businesses. Jackson Heights isn’t just one of the most diverse neighborhoods in NYC (a feat in and of itself), but is considered one of the most diverse spots on the planet. This is exemplified in every direction. For example, close to The Colton along 37th is a dizzying variety of restaurants. The most famous of these is the Arepa Lady, well known to New Yorkers for decades for its yummy cornmeal cakes. The business started nearby as an unlicensed food cart by a former lawyer from Colombia and now operates three brick-and-mortar locations across Queens and Brooklyn. In close proximity is Lhasa Fast Food for dishes like Tibetan dumplings; El Toum for casual Middle Eastern fare and Espresso 77, part coffee shop, wine bar and art gallery. For necessities there’s also a nearby Duane Reade, Ferreira Foodtown and Food Dynasty on 37th. Just past that is Patel Brothers, a popular chain for Indian goods. It’s also worth mentioning that Jackson Diner, a legendary destination for its Indian lunch buffet, is just a 10-minute walk from the condo.
Beyond food, the updated Travers Park is a block away. It’s on the small side, but big enough to contain a playground and basketball and tennis courts. It also holds community events like live music on Sundays throughout the summer. Just past the park, Northern Boulevard is also packed with businesses including Salvaje Social Club for late nights in a jungle-themed space, Cafe Salamanca, a longtime favorite for Spanish meals and the Queensboro for comfort food in cozy environs. Also close? The Jackson Heights Greenmarket between 79th and 80th streets on 34th Ave. It’s open on Sundays year-round and is considered one of the best farmer’s markets around.
Walking distance to numerous trains
Roosevelt Avenue is the epicenter of Jackson Heights, a noisy, jostling stretch that’s like a mini United Nations thanks to the extensive diversity of restaurants, shops and customers. This is where the E, F, M and R lines rumble overhead, delivering riders to Midtown in about 15 minutes. The nearest station is at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. at 74th St., while the 7 train is across the way on Broadway. The latter is convenient for those heading to Grand Central or the Hudson Yards area. There’s a new project in the works for the Interborough Express, a light rail that will eventually connect Queens and Brooklyn, but the start date is likely years away due to lack of funding. Other transportation includes the Q49 bus between the train and Astoria, which stops in front of the condo. Drivers may have to circle to find street parking, but the BQE is a short drive and LaGuardia Airport is less than 2.5 miles away. JFK International Airport is about 13 miles away in Jamaica.
Low common charges and no pets
Common charges are on the low side here and investors are welcome. Pets aren’t allowed, which is unusual for a condo.
Collateral AnalyticsCollateral Analytics
Collateral Analytics AVMs (Automated Valuation Model) employ a number of statistical approaches combined with neighborhood-specific comparable selection guarantees the most up-to-date and precise valuations.
Black Knight®Black Knight
Black Knight’s AVM (Automated Valuation Model) is a state-of-the-art online residential property valuation tool that provides a quick and accurate estimate of the value of almost any home in the U.S.
First AmericanFirst American
First American Data & Analytics’ next-generation AVM combines unrivaled data assets with a blended ensemble of valuation models to produce highly accurate, reliable valuations you can trust.
Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
77/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
91/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Travers Park
4 min walk
Basketball
Dog Park
Playground
Edward Hart Playground
10 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Frank D. O' Conner Playground
10 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Moore Homestead Playground
3 min drive
Basketball
Playground
St. Michael's Playground
3 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Soccer
LaGuardia Landing Lights Park
3 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Trails
Northern Playground
3 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Events
Playground Ninety
3 min drive
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Veteran's Grove Playground
4 min drive
Playground
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
