Schuman Properties has submitted a rezoning application for a large property in Astoria, aiming to expand its presence in the area’s active real estate market. The Long Island City-based developer is seeking approval to build two residential and commercial buildings totaling about 310,000 square feet at 34-14 Steinway Street, according to Crain’s.
The proposed development would include one building of 12 stories and another of nine stories. If approved, the project would allow for approximately 270 apartments as well as significant commercial space. Current zoning does not permit this level of density; the requested rezoning is necessary for the project to move forward.
The site covers a block bordered by 34th and 35th avenues and Steinway and 38th streets. Two single-story buildings on the property are slated for demolition, while a third building housing a sports complex will remain. A supermarket currently operating on the site would be relocated within the new development.
Plans call for about 157,000 square feet dedicated to residential use. Between 20 percent and 30 percent of these units are expected to be designated as affordable housing. The commercial component includes roughly 52,000 square feet for retail uses and a community facility—likely medical offices—spanning around 27,000 square feet. If all approvals are granted, construction could be completed by 2029.
Land use attorney Frank St. Jacques of Akerman is representing Schuman Properties in this application process. Both St. Jacques and representatives from Schuman Properties declined requests for comment.
This planned development is located near Schuman’s earlier project at 34-01 Steinway Street—a six-story rental building with 55 units completed in 2019—marking the firm’s second major investment on this block.
The proposal comes amid continued real estate activity in Astoria following the collapse of Innovation QNS, a $2 billion plan that was intended to deliver over 3,200 housing units but failed to materialize. Since then, several smaller projects have moved ahead independently, including a new building with over 500 units at nearby 35-18 Steinway Street.
Astoria and other neighborhoods in Western Queens have experienced notable population growth over the past decade. While Queens’ overall population increased by nearly eight percent between 2010 and 2020, areas like Astoria and Long Island City saw an increase of about ten percent during that period.
