Fox & Fowle to Design $90 Million, 300,000-SQ.FT. Commercial Office Building For Jamaica Center

Quinn & Company

The new $90-million, 300,000-square-foot building, to be developed by LCOR Inc., will be the nexus of a transportation-related business center in downtown Jamaica, Queens, and the first step in implementing the area?s master plan, also prepared by Fox & Fowle for GJDC.

GJDC first solicited interest from developers for the new building in early 2001. After reviewing responses from five qualified firms, GJDC designated LCOR based on the firm?s proven track record, commitment to the community and ability to complete complex private-public developments.

As Mark Strauss, AIA, AICP, a principal at Fox & Fowle Architects who led the planning process explains, "The selection of LCOR as developers will enable the community to take advantage of the momentum created by Jamaica?s direct link to JFK airport with the development of a significant commercial project. From a design standpoint, it will be important to create an efficient business and an attractive environment. This project will serve as the ?front door? to the expanded transportation center and to the community as a whole."

"AirTrain, scheduled to open here in 2003, will literally connect Jamaica to the world and will enhance the viability of this area as a location for businesses that need access to skilled labor and high-quality, competitively priced office space near the airport." said Carlisle Towery, GJDC?s President. "GJDC?s enthusiastic support for AirTrain is based on Governor Pataki?s confidence that AirTrain is more than just transportation?it is local economic development as well,"

The LCOR tower is the first major step in implementing Vision for Jamaica Center, the master plan Fox & Fowle drafted for GJDC and that was released earlier this year. The plan may be the first time that an airport-related development plan has been proposed for an existing downtown area. It leverages the economic potential of the AirTrain light rail system, which will link Jamaica?s transit hub to JFK International Airport with an 8-minute ride.

The plan also includes a 250-room hotel, approximately one-million square feet of office and retail space, parking for 2,000 cars, open space and amenities.