Street of the Week: Jackson Avenue
Long Island City is coming into its own. This fast-evolving neighborhood is super close to Manhattan, has an expansive arts community and spectacular views from its waterfront parks. At the heart of its rapid development is Jackson Avenue, a thoroughfare with thriving arts and culture, cult-worthy dining and luxury living.
MoMa PS1- At the center of Long Island City’s arts scene is MoMa PS1, one of America’s largest contemporary art institutions. It was founded in 1971 as the Institute for Art and Urban Resources by Alanna Heiss, an advocate of the arts and founder of many arts organizations. Its mission was to organize exhibits in abandoned spaces in New York City. In 1976, it moved to its permanent location in an abandoned Romanesque Revival public school (hence the P.S. moniker) at 22-25 Jackson Avenue. Its studios, exhibition and performance spaces have been home to experimental, thought-provoking and adventurous art ever since.
PS1 was gut-renovated in 1997 though it preserved the original architecture and classroom-sized galleries in homage to the building’s history. Its reopening positioned it as a leading arts institution in NYC. By joining forces with MoMa in 2001, it extended the reach of both by combining PS1’s contemporary vision with MoMa’s worldwide reputation.
Today MoMa PS1 is a cutting edge, innovative laboratory of arts and ideas, showcasing and hosting such installation competitions as the Young Architects Program (YAP), weekly performance series Sunday Sessions, and Warm Up, its seminal summer music series.
Echelon- This stunning, contemporary glass and brick luxury condo at 13-11 Jackson Avenue offers remarkable luxury in ultra-modern sophistication. The spacious residences feature hardwood flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows. Master bathrooms have marble accents, and open kitchens are appointed with stainless steel appliances. Washer/dryers come standard in each home. The Echelon offers exquisite amenities including a full-time doorman, concierge service, live-in super, health club and stunning roof deck with dining area, lounge chairs, and spectacular Manhattan views.
One Vernon Jackson- Award-winning One Vernon-Jackson is one of LIC’s sleekest steel and glass luxe boutique-condo collections. The residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows, acid-etch interior, moveable glass walls and solid walnut floors. Kitchens feature top of the line Jenn air appliances and Liebherr refrigerators. Most homes feature oversized terraces or private balconies. This pet-friendly building has amenities including doorman, fitness center, community terraces and storage. At the epicenter of LIC, it offers direct access to the 7 train and is one stop from Grand Central.
Sage General Store- Featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives", this general store turned contemporary eatery has been in operation for 18 years. It has segwayed from sundries shop to eatery, with a focus on American comfort food made with seasonal ingredients. Dishes like Bacon Tomato Artisanal Mac and Cheese and Roasted Pork Tenderloin with chipotle orange sauce and root veggies are inspired takes on classic comforts. Their menu changes seasonally, so be sure to check in to see what’s new for spring!
Ten63- Designed by Thomas O’Hara Architects, this sleek, triangular glass and brick luxury condo is juxtaposed on the corner of Jackson Avenue and 49th Avenue in the heart of LIC. The building offers stylish, intelligent appointments, sophisticated design elements and expansive windows offering breathtaking skyline and river views. Residences are stylishly equipped with spa-inspired modern baths, kitchens with stainless steel Bosch appliances, Caesarstone countertops, walnut flooring, custom closets and central air. Luxury amenities include doorman, roof deck, laundry, fitness room, storage and screening room. Transportation to Manhattan is simple with the 7 train two minutes away and easy access to the Midtown Tunnel and 59th Street Bridge.