The Rosenwach Group has submitted an application to the Department of City Planning to rezone the LaGuardia Center at 43-02 Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria, Queens. The proposal aims to redevelop the current low-rise shopping center into a mixed-use complex featuring nearly 500 residential units.
According to plans reported by Crain’s, the new development would cover 412,000 square feet and rise between eight and ten stories. It would include 492 apartments, with 25 percent designated as affordable housing for individuals earning up to 60 percent of the area median income.
The redevelopment plan also incorporates a substantial retail component totaling 62,000 square feet on the ground floor. This space is expected to allow existing tenants—such as a supermarket, laundromat, bank, and restaurants—to remain after construction. Additionally, there will be a 2,300-square-foot cafe and gallery.
Other features in the proposal include a landscaped public terrace and parking for 175 vehicles.
“We always thought that the center — now and hopefully in the future — was the heartbeat of the neighborhood,” director of operations Henry Rosenwach told the outlet. “We really just want to take it one step further for the community.”
Details about development costs and timeline have not been disclosed. However, because of previous work on site, Rosenwach expects to qualify for the expired 421a tax incentive program if construction finishes by June 2031; this follows an extension granted last year.
Rosenwach acquired LaGuardia Center in 1989 for an undisclosed amount and currently operates from that location. Beyond its role as landlord, Rosenwach is known for developing rooftop water towers throughout New York City.
In another nearby project on Ditmars Boulevard, ASAP Holdings from Pasadena filed a rezoning application late last year seeking to replace parking spaces at New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott with new mixed-use buildings containing hundreds of apartments—including dedicated affordable residences for seniors.
