Luxury co-op conversion near Jackson Heights Historic District
Washington Plaza nabbed headlines in 2016, when the rent-regulated apartments received a glam makeover during their conversion to co-ops. Yet Washington Plaza was already notable. Architect Sylvan Bien, who is perhaps best known for the famed Upper East Side hotel, The Carlyle, designed the six, six-story Art Deco buildings in Jackson Heights in 1940. The Queens Historical Society has recognized its architectural significance. While the complex is just two blocks outside the boundary of the Jackson Heights Historic District, known for its garden-centric layouts, it shares the same courtyard design as its neighbors.
The location is also desirable for its proximity to diverse businesses and a quick train ride to Midtown. Then there’s the community itself. “I work in all parts of Queens, and Jackson Heights is the one neighborhood where people actually smile when they pass you on the street,” says Yael Goldman, a broker with Brown Harris Stevens Forest Hills, who has been selling here since 2016. Washington Plaza has formed its own community within that, consisting of long-term residents and newcomers who come together for events like the annual Halloween party in the garden.
Preserved prewar details combined with modern updates
Freyer Collaborative Architects spearheaded the upscale conversion, preserving historic details and square footage in the 188 units, more than half of which have been sold. “We had a philosophical decision to make at the outset,” Marilyn Sollar, the director of sales and leasing for Delta Management, told The New York Times in 2016. “Conventional wisdom in this day and age is to take 900 square feet and chop it up into a two-bedroom.” She noted that they resisted that temptation. As a result, layouts range from 700-square-foot one-bedrooms to an 1,800-square-foot three-bedroom. “The building is what's called a sawtooth design,” says Goldman. “That's the jagged edge of the saw, and it gives beautiful light and cross ventilation in just about every apartment.”
Intact prewar features include crown moldings, archways, oak floors, high ceilings, foyers and windowed kitchens and bathrooms. Architect Jim Low told the Times that they also kept the raised kitchens and dining rooms — or recreated them. He wanted to “respect the space, preserve the grandeur, preserve the spaciousness,” he said. However, in order to modernize units, they expanded closets, removed many curved dining alcoves and opened up kitchens. They outfitted the latter with Italian wood cabinets, Caesarstone counters, a dishwasher, a convection oven and gas range, a built-in microwave, Frigidaire appliances and an undermount Kohler sink. Overhauled bathrooms possess Kohler pedestal sinks, Grohe fixtures and lighting from George Kovacs and Restoration Hardware. Bathroom pipes prevented adding details like recessed medicine cabinets, so a mirrored storage cabinet served as a workaround. A handful of larger units have a washer/dryer.
In early 2025, one-bedrooms were listed for just under $500,000. A combined three-bedroom with three baths spanning 1,800 square feet was on the market for almost $1.6 million at the same time. “This is our most expensive apartment that's coming to market,” says Goldman. Two-bedrooms were priced in the low 600,000s in late 2024. Maintenance fees range from about $900 to $1,800.
Peaceful garden oasis, security and fitness center are highlights
This is a gated community with part-time security installed in a separate gatehouse. Just beyond is a tranquil courtyard filled with a cascading fountain, pond and paths. Goldman notes the building is known for having the longest-continuing fountain, adding, “In the summer, it's like 10 degrees cooler in the garden because of the fountain.” The six buildings surround the courtyard, each with its own revamped lobby. Staff includes a live-in super and porters. The basement is painted in cheery colors and contains a state-of-the-art fitness room equipped with Precor cardio machines and weights and a yoga area; annual membership costs $500. The basement also holds two large, well-maintained laundry rooms, an organized bike room and storage units. Goldman shares that Washington Plaza is currently constructing a residence lounge and contemplating a WeWork space.Policies are on the liberal side for a co-op, allowing subletting after a year of ownership for up to four years. The co-op also guarantors, gifting, co-purchasing and parents buying for children. Cats are allowed, as are dogs who don’t exceed 40 pounds.
Diverse, walkable section close to retail, restaurants and essentials
Jackson Heights is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in one of the world’s most diverse cities. “We get people coming from Brooklyn and Manhattan, who are outpriced in some of these other areas, that want the amenities and the finishes and the gracious size of these residences,” Goldman says. Buyers are also attracted to the walkable neighborhood. The immediate streets are peaceful and tree-lined, with a variety of businesses a block over on 37th Avenue. Arepa Lady is arguably the most famous, a city mainstay beloved for its Columbian cornmeal cakes. Nearby Jackson Diner is also popular for its Indian buffet and attracts diners from beyond the neighborhood. Grocery options include Food Dynasty and Patel Brothers. Green space is in short supply, but Washington Plaza isn’t far from Travers Park, home to a playground, basketball and handball courts and a farmer’s market. Then there’s Roosevelt Avenue, Jackson Heights’ main corridor underneath the train tracks, resembling a microcosm of the United Nations thanks to the variety of retail and restaurants from around the globe.
Easy access to Midtown and LaGuardia Airport
It’s a two-block walk to Roosevelt Avenue for catching the 7, E, F, M or R trains; the commute to Midtown takes about 15 minutes. LaGuardia Airport is about 2 miles away, with express buses taking around 20 minutes. As a consideration, some area residents complain about plane noise. Bike lanes are another transportation option, with residential 34th Avenue providing a scenic ride along its dedicated bike path.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
73/ 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
Travers Park
8 min walk
Basketball
Dog Park
Playground
Frank D. O' Conner Playground
10 min walk
Basketball
Playground
St. Michael's Playground
2 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Soccer
Moore Homestead Playground
3 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Doughboy Plaza
3 min drive
Dog Park
Trails
Playground
Lawrence Virgilio Playground
3 min drive
Basketball
Pool
Trails
Big Bush Playground
3 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Soccer
Playground Ninety
5 min drive
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Schools
Source:
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