Flushing Airport Site to Be Transformed into a New Residential District in Queens, New York
New York | August 4, 2025 – After decades of abandonment, the former Flushing Airport site in College Point, Queens is set for a major transformation. New York City has announced a large-scale urban development project. It will bring around 3,000 new housing units and 60 acres of public green space to the 80-acre site. This site has remained unused since the airport’s closure in 1984.
From Aviation Landmark to a Livable Neighborhood
Once the busiest airfield in New York City, Flushing Airport has sat vacant for over 40 years. It has slowly returned to a natural wetland state. Now, it’s at the center of a renewed effort to tackle the city’s growing housing shortage.
The development is part of Mayor Eric Adams’ broader housing strategy. This strategy aims to deliver 500,000 new homes by 2032. These efforts occur amid rising demand and a dwindling supply of buildable land in the five boroughs.
Local Collaboration and a Nature-Conscious Design
The project is being led by Cirrus Workforce Housing and LCOR, in coordination with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Architectural design is provided by S9 Architecture, whose preliminary renderings reveal a collection of mid-rise residential buildings. These buildings are woven into a landscape of green spaces, pedestrian paths, and restored natural elements.
The layout reflects a clear intent to reintroduce accessible public spaces while respecting the site’s ecological character.
A Long-Term Investment in Housing and Jobs
With a projected budget of $3.2 billion, the plan is expected to generate the same amount in economic activity over the next 30 years. One defining feature of the project is its commitment to union labour at all stages of construction. This aligns with the city’s goals for fair employment and equitable urban development.
A Site with History – and a Second Chance
Attempts to repurpose the Flushing Airport land have repeatedly failed over the years. Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, for instance, floated proposals in 2004 and 2013, but both met strong public resistance.
This time, the focus on affordable housing, coupled with labor guarantees, has helped the plan gain much-needed traction.
In a recent statement, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards noted:
“Once a symbol of early aviation in New York, this site is now poised to become a cornerstone of Queens’ future. It’s a rare opportunity to turn history into a platform for community growth.”
Construction Timeline
The project is currently in the review phase, with environmental and land use assessments underway. If approved, construction is scheduled to begin in 2028. This follows decades of dormancy and debate over how best to use the site.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
This article outlines the architectural vision for transforming the long-abandoned Flushing Airport into a mixed-use residential district in Queens. The images depict mid-rise buildings embedded in expansive green corridors, with winding paths that echo the site’s former wetlands. While the proposal acknowledges the surrounding urban context, it lacks a clear strategy for integrating the built mass with adjacent spatial rhythms. Can such density coexist with ecological sensitivity and maintain long-term livability? Still, the project’s commitment to unionized labour adds a strong social layer. This offers a grounded approach to community sustainability.
Explore the Latest Architecture Exhibitions & Conferences
ArchUp offers daily updates on top global architectural exhibitions, design conferences, and professional art and design forums.
Follow key architecture competitions, check official results, and stay informed through the latest architectural news worldwide.
ArchUp is your encyclopedic hub for discovering events and design-driven opportunities across the globe.
