Real Estate
Apartment Buildings At Former Donovan's Parking Lot Take Steps Forward
Crews began laying the groundwork for the buildings earlier this year, but developers are now hoping to get the new project underway.
![Crews began laying the groundwork for the buildings earlier this year, but developers are now hoping to get the new project underway.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/24928264/20220815/110145/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-659095141-1___15110100641.jpg)
BAYSIDE, QUEENS — New apartment buildings that are expected to be standing in the former Donovan's parking lot by next year are beginning to take shape, city records show.
Earlier this year, crews began laying the groundwork for two apartment buildings slated for the 41st Avenue lot, building fencing and starting excavations for underground parking, Patch reported based on Department of Building filings.
As of Sunday, though, new building permits have been filed for the Bayside site, records show, as developers hope to resolve objections and get construction underway.
Find out what's happening in Bayside-Douglastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In February, Patch spoke with Mark Boccia, the longtime Bourbon Street proprietor, about his plan for the lot, which he bought from Joseph Donovan, the founder of now-shuttered Donovan's of Bayside. Boccia, at the time, said construction should wrap up some time next year.
While work permits for the new buildings haven't been approved yet, the apartments are still expected to be three- and four-story tall structures with commercial space and parking, records show.
Find out what's happening in Bayside-Douglastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
One apartment building, which will sit on 41st Avenue abutting an Irish restaurant on one side and a fire station on the other, will be four stories tall with 15 apartments, the most recently filed plans show.
On the ground floor there will be a commercial space, which Boccia told Patch he will fill based on local demand once the project is complete
The other apartment building will be situated behind the fire station, and stand three-stories tall with just three units, according to city plans.
That building will have a "community facility" on the ground floor, like a medical office or daycare, Boccia said.
There will be 13 more metered, valet parking space underground; 10 for residents and three for people using the as-yet undefined community facility, records show.
As of Monday, both buildings are still awaiting Department of Building approval, which is necessary for construction to begin.
Related Article: Apartments To Replace Former Donovan's Parking Lot By Next Year
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