New York Construction Report staff writer
A former JFK Hilton hotel has been converted into Baisley Pond Park Residences, a 318-unit affordable housing development costing $167 million. The project repurposes the vacant 1987-built hotel into apartments for low-income and formerly homeless households.
The development was constructed by Slate Property Group in partnership with RiseBoro Community Partnership, with architectural design by Aufgang Architects.
Funding includes $47.7 million from New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Hotel and Commercial Conversion Program, $34 million from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and $70 million from the New York City Housing Development Corporation. Supportive services are provided through the New York City Department of Social Services’ Affordable Housing Services program.
A mural titled “Queens Rising” by artist Danielle Mastrion, in partnership with ArtBridge, celebrates the history and character of Queens.
The building is all-electric and energy-efficient, featuring Energy Star appliances and rooftop solar panels, and has been certified under Enterprise Green Communities standards. Located near JFK Airport, it provides residents with convenient transportation options and access to nearby Baisley Pond Park.
The project is part of New York State’s broader effort to expand affordable housing in Queens, complementing initiatives to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes over five years, while demonstrating the adaptive reuse of underutilized properties to meet local housing needs.
