New Renderings Reveal 28-Story Jamaica Development with 285 Apartments

• New renderings have been released for a 28-story mixed-use development at 164-02 Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica, Queens.
• The project will deliver 285 rental apartments, 70,000 square feet of community facility space, and 4,300 square feet of retail space.
• Vaya Development and Communilife are developing the 291,000-square-foot building, which is being designed to Passive House standards.

What the Development Includes for Jamaica, Queens

Plans are moving forward for a major mixed-use project at 164-02 Jamaica Avenue in Queens. The proposed 28-story tower will rise on a 13,500-square-foot site at the corner of Jamaica Avenue and 164th Street, replacing three existing commercial buildings. Designed by Stat Architecture and developed by Vaya Development and Communilife, the project will span approximately 291,000 square feet. The development is expected to include 285 rental apartments with an average unit size of 537 square feet. In addition to housing, the building will feature 70,000 square feet of community facility space and 4,300 square feet of ground-floor retail, creating a significant mixed-use presence along one of Jamaica's busiest commercial corridors.

What the New Renderings Reveal

Recently released renderings show a contemporary tower with a rectangular massing and a mid-building setback along the northern elevation. The setback will create a landscaped terrace that adds outdoor amenity space while breaking up the building's vertical profile. The façade is designed with beige stone and a grid of recessed windows accented by black and green paneling. The building will be topped by a flat roof and mechanical bulkhead, while a surface parking area is planned at the rear of the property. Alternative renderings also show a slightly deeper setback along the main elevation, suggesting design refinements are still being evaluated.

What Is Currently on the Site

The development site is currently occupied by three adjoining commercial properties located at 164-02, 164-04, and 164-08 Jamaica Avenue. Communilife acquired the assemblage from Francmen Realty principal Ronald Menashe for $13.5 million in May 2025. The acquisition paved the way for the redevelopment of the site into a larger residential and community-focused project.

What the Community Facility Space Will Provide

A key component of the project is the substantial community facility space planned within the building. Communilife, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting vulnerable populations, intends to incorporate dedicated housing and support services as part of the development. The project is also being designed to Passive House standards, a high-performance building certification that emphasizes energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and reduced environmental impact.

What the Location Offers Residents

The property sits in the heart of Downtown Jamaica, one of Queens' fastest-growing transit-oriented neighborhoods. Residents will have convenient access to the Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer transit hub, which serves the E, J, and Z subway lines. The neighborhood continues to attract new residential and mixed-use development due to its strong transportation network, retail activity, and proximity to major employment centers throughout New York City.

What Happens Next for the Project

While new renderings provide a clearer picture of the planned tower, developers have not yet announced a construction timeline. Once completed, the project will add hundreds of new housing units and significant community space to Jamaica's evolving skyline, further reinforcing the neighborhood's role as one of Queens' most active development markets.