Kew Gardens Terrace, a pre-war gem completed in 1923, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic New York City architecture. This six-story brick building, housing 108 condominium units, offers residents a blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort in the heart of Kew Gardens, Queens. With its Tudor Revival influence, the building's exterior features decorative half-timbering on the upper floors and a prominent arched entryway, creating a distinctive presence in the neighborhood. Situated in a tranquil setting, Kew Gardens Terrace provides a peaceful retreat while maintaining easy access to the vibrant city life beyond its doors.
Spacious layouts with pre-war details and modern updates
Kew Gardens Terrace offers a range of floor plans to suit various needs, from cozy one-bedroom units to expansive three-bedroom homes. The one-bedroom apartments, spanning 684 to 900 square feet, provide an efficient use of space and are available for around $150,000. Two-bedroom units, measuring between 1,100 and 1,500 square feet, offer more room for families or those desiring extra space, with monthly rents around $2,400. The largest offerings are the three-bedroom units, ranging from 1,250 to 1,500 square feet, featuring two bathrooms for added convenience.
Throughout the building, residents enjoy pre-war details such as high ceilings and hardwood floors, creating an air of timeless elegance. Many units have been thoughtfully updated to include modern amenities while preserving their original character. Kitchens in renovated units often feature granite countertops, custom cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances, some even boasting Brazilian Soapstone counters for a touch of luxury. Bathrooms have also seen updates, with some sporting European fixtures for a contemporary feel.
Large windows in many units provide ample natural light and, in some cases, offer picturesque views of the adjacent Forest Park or partial skyline vistas. Custom closets and ample storage space are common features, addressing the practical needs of urban living. Some apartments boast flexible layouts, with dining areas that can be repurposed as home offices or additional bedrooms, catering to the evolving needs of residents.
Monthly HOA fees vary, with one example being $1,067.68 for a unit. These fees cover a comprehensive list of services including air conditioning, trash removal, ground maintenance, heat, hot water, and sewer. While substantial, these fees reflect the building's commitment to maintaining its historic charm and providing modern comforts for its residents.
Energy-efficient features and classic communal spaces
Kew Gardens Terrace stands out with its blend of classic amenities and forward-thinking features. The building's rooftop solar panel array is a notable highlight, significantly reducing electricity costs for residents - in many cases, covering more than half of their electric bills. This eco-friendly initiative is complemented by energy-efficient insulation throughout the building, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
The building's grand entry arch leads to a beautifully landscaped courtyard, providing a serene outdoor space for residents to enjoy. Inside, the stately lobby exudes timeless sophistication, setting the tone for the building's classic ambiance. A laundry room offers convenience for day-to-day living, while additional storage units and bike storage are available for rent, addressing the need for extra space in urban homes.
Security is a priority at Kew Gardens Terrace, with a secure keyless lobby entry system and security cameras throughout the property ensuring peace of mind for residents. The presence of a live-in superintendent ensures prompt attention to maintenance needs and contributes to the smooth operation of the building.
Recent upgrades to the building include a new roof, renovated fire escapes, and new brick pointing, demonstrating ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the property. The elevators have been overhauled with new hardware, enhancing reliability and efficiency. These improvements, coupled with the building's financial strength, indicate a well-managed property prepared for the future.
While Kew Gardens Terrace may not offer luxury amenities like pools or fitness centers, its focus on practical, quality-of-life features and its commitment to maintaining its historic character make it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of classic New York living with modern conveniences.
A tranquil enclave with urban conveniences and green spaces
Kew Gardens, named after the famous London botanic garden, offers residents a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. The neighborhood is known for its diverse housing options, from single-family homes to co-ops and condos like Kew Gardens Terrace, many offering spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline due to the area's hilly terrain.
The community is dotted with green spaces, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Forest Park, the third-largest park in Queens, is just steps away from Kew Gardens Terrace. This expansive green space offers a wealth of amenities including a carousel, basketball courts, a skate park, a golf course, and miles of forested hiking trails. For those seeking smaller, more intimate outdoor areas, Eight Oaks Triangle and Kew Gardens Cinema Park are within easy walking distance, offering peaceful retreats amid the urban landscape.
Culinary options in the area are diverse and plentiful. Residents can enjoy a range of cuisines, from Jewish delis and Russian kosher restaurants to Haitian, French, Hispanic, Italian, and West Indian eateries. Notable local favorites include Tikka Indian Grill for aromatic curries, Spolini's for Italian fare, and Baker's Dozen Bagels for a classic New York breakfast. For groceries, options range from chain supermarkets like CTown and Key Food to local specialty stores such as Y & M Glatt Mini Mart and Alba's Deli and Grocery.
Cultural amenities are not lacking in Kew Gardens. The neighborhood hosts the annual Festival of Cinema NYC, a ten-day international film event. Year-round, residents can enjoy screenings at the Kew Gardens Cinemas, a charming Art Deco movie theater that adds to the area's historic character.
For families with children, the neighborhood offers several well-regarded schools. P.S. 99 Kew Gardens and J.H.S. 190 Russell Sage are both A-rated by Niche, while Forest Hills High School maintains a solid A-minus rating. High-achieving students may also consider the nearby Queens High School for the Sciences at York College, known for its rigorous STEM-focused curriculum.
The presence of the Queens County Criminal Court, the largest courthouse in Queens, adds to the neighborhood's significance within the borough. This institution not only serves judicial purposes but also contributes to the area's professional character, attracting legal professionals and related businesses.
Multiple transit options for seamless city connectivity
Kew Gardens Terrace benefits from excellent transportation links, making it an ideal location for commuters and those who frequently travel within New York City. The Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike subway station, served by the E and F lines, is a mere five-minute walk from the building. This provides direct access to Manhattan and other parts of Queens, making daily commutes convenient and efficient.
For those who prefer rail travel, the Long Island Rail Road's Kew Gardens station is about a 10-minute walk away. This station is served by multiple branches including the Babylon, Hempstead, Long Beach, and Port Jefferson lines, offering quick connections to other parts of Long Island and Penn Station in Manhattan.
Bus service in the area is comprehensive, with several stops within a short walking distance of Kew Gardens Terrace. The bus stop at 80 Rd & Park La S, just a minute's walk away, serves the Kew Gardens - South Ozone Park line. Additional bus routes, including service to JFK Airport, can be accessed from nearby stops on Austin Street.
For those who occasionally need to venture further afield, the building's location provides easy access to major roadways. The Van Wyck Expressway, Queens Boulevard, and Grand Central Parkway are all within reach, facilitating travel by car to other parts of Queens and beyond. This strategic location places John F. Kennedy International Airport about a 10-minute drive away, while LaGuardia Airport can be reached in approximately 15 minutes by car.
While the area's bike score suggests limited cycling infrastructure, the proximity to Forest Park offers recreational biking opportunities. The excellent public transit options and walkable nature of the neighborhood reduce the need for personal vehicles, though street parking is generally available for those who do drive.
The combination of subway, commuter rail, bus services, and major roadways makes Kew Gardens Terrace an exceptionally well-connected residence, offering flexibility and convenience for various transportation needs.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Bikeable
Bike Score®
57/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
85/ 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
Kew Gardens Cinema Park
8 min walk
Hawthorne Park Forest Hills
10 min walk
Multi-Purpose Field
Eight Oaks Triangle
12 min walk
Albert H. Mauro Playground
2 min drive
Hoover-Manton Playgrounds
3 min drive
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Hoover Playground
3 min drive
Picnic Area
Playground
Vleigh Playground
3 min drive
Judge Moses Weinstein Playground
3 min drive
MacDonald Park
5 min drive
Multi-Purpose Field
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.
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