Briarwood Multifamily Development
New Buildings
Kew Gardens
2019
Exploring Zoning To Maximize Usability
OVERVIEW
The Briarwood Apartments, a market-rate housing development spanning a full city block in Queens, initially comprised 276 units over two buildings with an empty 60-foot rear yard.
Knowing they could add units to the property, The Musso Group engaged two initial architects, who estimated that only 30 units could be added because of complex challenges regarding zoning and construction limitations. After seeing our success on another project in Queens, ownership retained us for a third opinion to investigate the site’s development potential. Initial surveys found the buildings sat off-center on the lot, creating an awkward 60-foot rear yard with zoning issues, a sloping site, FAR limitations, and parking constraints. We engaged with the nuances of these complex challenges, and our team found space for a design that would add 232 new units for the owner.
APPROACH
Where others focused on the limitations, we saw a puzzle to solve, with the innovation only constraint can forge.
We carefully navigated the Zoning and Building Code, and we involved the Department of Buildings early on in our analysis to ensure compliance and secure four “pre-considerations” to clarify the project’s feasibility. In addition, we carefully studied the complex sloping site and considerable parking constraints to design two new compliant buildings, providing 232 additional units. Our work also delivered notable cost savings by constructing the project in two phases. This minimized the requirement to upgrade the existing buildings to full, current code compliance.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Project Value $60,000,000
- Project Size 110,000 square feet
- Original Units 276
- Additional Units Built 104
- Potential Additional Units Planned 128
IMPACT
EDG’s innovative phase one design of this project provided The Musso Group with a significant ROI on their investments and created 104 much-needed additional housing units for New York City residents.
Residents now enjoy a rejuvenated residential block with a new lobby and updated facilities and amenities. Prepped for phase two, ownership is positioned to add 128 additional units to enhance the property's value further.
