A nine-story Jackson Heights co-op building with a sustainable philosophy
Named after a stand of birch trees that once presided over the front of the building, the Birchwood House in Jackson Heights provides an array of amenities as well as a sustainable approach to modernizing its infrastructure. Built in 1968, the nine-story property was one of the first in the neighborhood to harness the power of renewable energy, with roughly 2,000 square feet of solar panels on the roof that help defray electricity costs. It also offers residents a composting program, bike storage and electric vehicle charging stations in its on-site parking garage. The building was converted to co-ops in the 1980s, but a major turning point came in 2008, when the original sponsor left and around 70 of the 159 apartments traded hands, resulting in a slew of updates including replacement birch trees out front, enhanced accessibility for the disabled and a lobby makeover. Today, the entrance features cream-colored terrazzo floors, mosaic tiles on the ceiling and windows etched with birch trees, a motif carried throughout the building. From the outside, the structure is distinguished by a protruding mid-section clad mostly in red brick that contrasts with the beige brick of the wings, with two lines of balconies on either end as the only adornment in an otherwise simple, boxy silhouette. Another draw is the community feel and surrounding neighborhood. “Jackson Heights is beautifully diverse, and our building reflects that,” adds Eirik Gislason, a longtime resident and associate broker with Brown Harris Stevens who has done numerous sales in the property. “One reason we decided to stay rather than move is that the community itself is really special.”
Studios to two-bedroom units starting at $260,000
Residences at the Birchwood House range in size from studios to two-bedrooms with a home office. Several apartments are equipped with balconies, and high-floor units often have views of the Manhattan skyline. Many of the dwellings underwent uniform renovations in 2008, after the sponsor left and converted their rentals to co-op units. Among the updates were new crown molding, tiled bathrooms, engineered stone countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The original oak parquet floors were kept intact, as were the efficient postwar-style floor plans. “Apartments in the 1960s were built for functionality and to maximize square footage, so I think they are more conducive to modern living than prewar layouts,” says Armen Meschian, a broker with Core who has done at least a dozen sales in the Birchwood House. Prices for studios start at $260,000, while one-bedrooms can be found for between $365,000 and $540,000. The largest two-bedrooms measure around 1,200 square feet and can list for as much as $650,000. The building has standard financial policies, with a 20% down payment required and two-year owner occupancy rule before subletting is allowed. Pets are not permitted. Additionally, there’s a transfer fee implemented at the time of sale that functions like a flip tax but with key differences. “A flip tax is generally known to be a percentage of sale or profit, but here it’s a fixed fee based on the number of shares,” explains Meschian. “It doesn’t matter how much you sell for.”
Perks include a laundry room, part-time doorman and rooftop terrace
The Birchwood House’s staff is among the top reasons why residents love the building. “We have the best super and the best porters in the world,” says Gislason. A part-time door attendant is stationed in the lobby from 4pm to midnight seven days a week, and app-based video intercom system ButterflyMX is also utilized to secure the entrance. The rooftop terrace, added in 2013, is a major perk, too. “The building is the tallest co-op in Jackson Heights, so you get a really nice view that includes the Manhattan skyline and various bridges,” says Meschian. Open throughout the year, the space is used for building-wide events such as the Fourth of July and is dotted with sturdy outdoor furnishings, potted trees, shrubs and flowers. “One of the special things about Jackson Heights are the garden co-ops, so we wanted to create a similar kind of oasis here for shareholders,” adds Gislason. A shared laundry room in the basement is also a plus, as in-unit washers and dryers are not permitted. Spearheading regular updates is also a priority. “The co-op board is good about adding shareholder value, whether through upkeep or new additions,” explains Gislason. For instance, an ADA-accessible ramp was added to the entrance in 2012, new boilers installed in 2015 and the laundry room was revamped in 2023 with new machines and air ducts. In 2024, both elevators were replaced and a second set of storage lockers were added. Enhancing the eco-friendly credentials are a Housing Works clothing drop off and electronic recycling program in the basement. “We are unique in neighborhood because we have so many amenities and services,” explains Gislason. “On average, we’re probably 10% higher in terms of maintenance fees, but it’s more a function of what we offer.”
Easy access Foodtown and an eclectic mix of restaurants
Jackson Heights is essentially split into two halves, each with their own pros and cons. “You’ve got western Jackson Heights near the transit hub, which has much more hustle and bustle than the historic district,” says Gislason. “There are beautiful treelined streets in the historic district, but one of the benefits in this part of the neighborhood is its amazing energy — there’s a lot going on.” The blocks surrounding the Birchwood House are filled with local businesses and popular restaurants serving up an array of international cuisines that have helped vault the neighborhood to among the city’s top foodie destinations. Gislason recommends Espresso 77 for a morning coffee and Chef’s Mahal for Indian food, as well as Sushi on Me, a hidden gem serving omakase with a speakeasy vibe. The area is also a hot spot for Nepalese, Tibetan and Colombian food.
A nearby stretch of 37th Avenue is home to several places to grocery shop, including Foodtown, Food Dynasty and Premium Super Market, in addition to banks, pharmacies, salons, and restaurants. For recreation, four blocks away is the diminutive General Hart Playground, which was renovated in 2021 and now features a refreshed jungle gym and basketball court. About half a mile from the building is the larger Travers Park, which was recently revamped to add a great lawn surrounded by flowering trees as well as a performance area. Just outside the park, the Jackson Heights Greenmarket takes place every Sunday throughout the year and features a variety of local farmers and food purveyors.
One block from the E, F, R, M and 7 trains
“One of the benefits you get on this side of Jackson Heights is that the area has one of the best transportation hubs in the city, which you don’t find in the historic district,” says Gislason. Indeed, the Birchwood House is situated a block from the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue station that brings together the E, F, R, M and 7 trains, all of which travel through Queens and into Manhattan, with the express E and F trains able to reach Midtown in as little as 15 minutes. Multiple bus lines converge in the area as well, with the Q70, Q47, Q32, Q49 and Q33 all stopping in the surrounding blocks. Most of them service northern Queens neighborhoods, but the Q32 goes all the way to Penn Station in Manhattan and the Q70 (also called the LaGuardia Link) offers free nonstop service between the Roosevelt Avenue subway hub and LaGuardia Airport. For those who use Citi Bike, three docks are located nearby, and the property contains its own bike storage. Located two blocks from the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, the property is equipped with an on-site garage — although there is a wait list for spots — and contains electric vehicle charging stations, put in place via a government-sponsored program.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
72/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 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
Edward Hart Playground
6 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Frank D. O' Conner Playground
7 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Travers Park
11 min walk
Basketball
Dog Park
Playground
Moore Homestead Playground
2 min drive
Basketball
Playground
St. Michael's Playground
2 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Soccer
Doughboy Plaza
2 min drive
Dog Park
Trails
Playground
Big Bush Playground
3 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Soccer
Veteran's Grove Playground
4 min drive
Playground
Nathan Weidenbaum Playground
4 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Schools
Source:
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