A full-block complex of 16 buildings surrounding a garden courtyard
Located on the border of Astoria and Ditmars-Steinway, Acropolis Gardens doesn’t quite conjure up the same magnificence as the famous Greek architectural site after which it’s named. Nonetheless, the sheer scale of the northern Queens development — which encompasses 16 interconnected white-brick buildings and holds a whopping 617 co-op units — is impressive. Constructed over a century ago by J.H. Taylor Construction Co., the full-block development is organized around a central garden courtyard and features near-identical five-story buildings with open-air entrances secured by iron gates. For years, the property was plagued by accusations of financial mismanagement and deferred maintenance. But that all changed in 2018, after the development made headlines for defaulting on its mortgage, and its controversial owner was pushed out. Since coming under new management in 2022, Acropolis Gardens has seemingly turned a corner. “That nonsense is over,” says Jennylee Marcelin, an agent with Beekman Street Realty who has done over 100 transactions in the property, including sales and rentals. “It was rocky, but the whole building came together in that time, and now we’ve had stable management past several years.” The walk-up buildings are now secured with new locks, virtual doorbells and cameras, while the garden has been cleaned up and provides a tranquil respite from the city.
Under new management since 2022
In June 2018, shareholders of Acropolis Gardens filed a lawsuit against the management company and co-op board with accusations of corruption and financial irresponsibility, as the complex was facing foreclosure and $45 million in debt. In 2022, new permanent management was put in place along with a new co-op board. Since then, numerous improvements have taken place, among them enhanced security features, pest control, updated roofing and a new boiler system.
One-bedrooms start at $215,000
The property contains mostly one- to three-bedroom residences, with no studios. “Every unit is unique,” says Marcelin. “Everyone has done something different inside. I haven’t seen much commonality.” There are roughly eight units per floor of each building, and four sets of stairs. This gives the development an intimate feel, as there are only two units that share a landing. Prices are discounted at the Acropolis, well below the neighborhood average of around $888,000. One-bedrooms range from $215,000 to $265,000, while two-bedrooms can be found for between $229,000 and $380,000. The largest three-bedrooms homes go up to $429,000. All major banks work with the building, which was not always a given due to prior financial issues, and subletting is permitted after two years of ownership. Monthly maintenance for a one-bedroom is around $1,019, while three-bedrooms come with a fee of around $1,670 per month.
Shared laundry rooms and a garden with fishpond
“The nicest amenity is the central garden that connects all 16 buildings,” says Marcelin. “It’s planted with old pine and cherry trees — and the lampposts are the same style as the ones in Central Park. You feel like you’re not in a metropolitan area because it’s nice and quiet.” One resident has spearheaded a cleanup of the garden’s fishpond, which is home to several large goldfish and has a waterfall. Additional perks include a pair of laundry rooms — one of which is new. “A lot of units have washers and dryers grandfathered in, but new ones cannot be added,” she explains. The building is also pet friendly, but it does not have a gym or other common indoor areas. The nearest place to work out is Rock Fitness, just three blocks away.
Half a mile to the waterfront Astoria Park
Astoria, and to a lesser extent Ditmars-Steinway, are among the most desirable areas in Queens thanks to transit options and a diverse culinary scene, which includes Greek, Middle Eastern, Thai and Colombian cuisines. The Acropolis is in the thick of it, within three blocks of an array of restaurants and bars, including The Last Word, a cozy cocktail bar that has live jazz music on Sundays. An organic grocery store, Natural Frontier Market, is across the street, and the larger Trade Fair Supermarket, is just three blocks away. Ditmars and Steinway playgrounds can be reached in as little as five minutes on foot, but larger green spaces are more of a trek. Astoria Park, home to the city’s oldest and largest pool as well as tennis courts, trails, lawns and a bandstand, sits on the East River a little more than half a mile away.
One block to the N and W subway trains
The Acropolis has a prime location just a block from the subway station at Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard, which is serviced by the N and W trains. The stop is the end of the line and can reach Midtown Manhattan in about 15 minutes. The Q69 bus stops in front of the building on Ditmars Boulevard on its way between Jackson Heights and Long Island City. Citi Bikes can be found at a pair of docks on either side of the Acropolis. In addition, it takes roughly 10 minutes to drive to LaGuardia Airport.
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®
74/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
94/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
79/ 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
Woodtree Playground
9 min walk
Playground
Ralph Demarco Park
2 min drive
Picnic Area
Trails
River
Astoria Park
3 min drive
Paul Raimonda Park and Playground
3 min drive
Picnic Area
Playground
Athens Square Park
3 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Chappetto Park
3 min drive
Basketball
Soccer
Triborough Bridge Playground B
3 min drive
Playground
Van Alst Playground
3 min drive
Playground
Astoria Heights Playground
4 min drive
Basketball
Bike Trails
Tennis
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.
