Longfellow Real Estate & Kassabian Realty Lead $95M Factory to Life Sciences Conversion in Queens

Six years back, a captivating tour took place in a rundown 1920s warehouse near Queensboro Plaza in Long Island City. The vision to transform the space into offices was brewing in the mind of the then-owner, Normandy Real Estate Partners.

A Modern Resurgence

In 2021, Longfellow Real Estate Partners, a life sciences developer, acquired a majority interest of $95 million in the seven-story property at 43-10 23rd Street. The plan is to infuse the premises with a blend of cutting-edge life sciences labs and office spaces. Retaining a minority stake are a private real estate fund under the helm of Columbia Property Trust, who took over Normandy in 2020, along with Kassabian Realty. The project, aptly named "Hatch Life Sciences," pays homage to the building's historical identity as a parachute manufacturing plant. The transformation and refurbishment work, managed by Suffolk Construction, encompassed window replacements, facade rebar and concrete repairs, and the installation of a basement tank to manage stormwater overflow.

Exploring Site Progress

The property exhibited a prominent billboard atop the building, attracting attention from passing commuters on the 7 train and the Queensboro Bridge. It required meticulous deconstruction to grant access to specific parts of the roof, a task that demanded considerable effort from the workers. Additionally, the extensive utility work essential for the laboratories involved upgrading the gas and electrical infrastructure of the building. The installation of various essential components such as chemical storage areas, fume hoods, air compressors, reverse-osmosis water filtration systems, chillers, boilers, generators, and electrical transformers was fundamental to meet the building's operational requirements.

Recording Progress with Technology

To track the progress comprehensively, Suffolk implemented the use of an innovative technology known as OpenSpace. This 360-degree camera, worn by the superintendents during their regular site visits, facilitated the documentation of all the work undertaken. It generated a detailed 3-D map of the site on a specific day, enabling easy navigation through the project's history. This visual archive not only provided insights into the construction process but also served as a valuable resource for the building's ownership to understand the infrastructure within the walls.

Reimagining Space for Innovation

A vibrant amenity area on the first floor offers more than just a place to meet. It boasts versatile conference spaces alongside a cozy cafe where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the allure of beer and wine. The rear courtyard has been transformed into a modern parking haven accommodating 15 vehicles, all equipped with electric vehicle charging stations.

The Dawn of Tailored Lab Environments

An ingenious decision led to the establishment of roughly 70,000 square feet of prebuilt lab space on site, designed to be easily configured into suites ranging from 14,000 to 21,000 square feet each. Ascending beyond, the upper floors remain pristine shell spaces, awaiting the influx of cutting-edge lab equipment. The meticulous construction journey embarked in July of 2022 culminated in the completion of this innovative space by December 2023, with dedicated workers meticulously refining the interiors to perfection.