In the heart of Astoria, Queens, Innovation QNS transforms an underperforming light industrial district into a mixed-use neighborhood. Envisioned as a “15-Minute City,” the development blends affordable and market-rate housing, office space, hotels, retail, entertainment, and community facilities, served by multiple subway and bus lines providing access to Midtown Manhattan and other major city hubs.

Over two acres of publicly accessible open spaces stitch together the five-block development. Plazas serve as midblock connections, providing relief from long city blocks and alleviating a prior severe parks shortage in the neighborhood. Each space functions individually with focused programming, but together, they form a complete network with engaging attractions for all ages. The amenities include contemplative gardens, athletic facilities, technology plazas, covered markets, multi-age play spaces, and a civic park that promises to become a landmark community gathering space and common ground for all of Astoria.

SWA/Balsley collaborated with ODA, Silverstein Properties, Bedrock LLC, and Kaufman Astoria Studios to guide the project through conceptual design and public approvals. This included extensive community and stakeholder engagement and technical review through the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), which governs land use and zoning changes in New York City. The highly contentious public review process received widespread media attention and concluded in November 2022 with City Council approval. It is the largest rezoning in the history of Queens.