Queens, NY's Long Island City Transforms from Industrial Wasteland to Vibrant Urban Area

Long Island City had an industrial past. It was right on the East River, and was a manufacturing area. By the 1970s, factories began closing and leaving NYC. Long Island City was the epitome of urban blight, full of empty buildings, except for the housing projects. Which was ironic and a shame, as the neighborhood was close to Manhattan and had excellent subway service, in the form of the E, F, M, R, G, N, and 7 subway lines, as well as the LIRR. However, gentrification attempts first start for LIC in the 1980s, with the appearance of the Citigroup building. It remained the lone new symbol of the LIC waterfront for awhile. During this time, LIC became a basis for much of New York's independent film scene. Troma Films is there, and Kaufman Astoria Studies and Steinway Studios are in the area. But in the past 6 years years or so, rapid change has hit LIC, even after the economic collapse. Last year, the city decided to change the name Queens Plaza. With two subway stations named Queens Plaza and Queensboro Plaza, you'd think there's be a worthwhile looking Plaza. There wasn't until recently. As Inhabit.com reports:

"First impressions are important, and unfortunately for Queens, the one it makes upon visitors entering the borough via the 59th St. Bridge is, well, pretty ugly. The tangled mass of overhead subway lines, rusted metal beams and collection of topless bars have long characterized Queens Plaza, but not for long. WRT Design is working on recreating the site to be a refreshing oasis amidst the asphalt and concrete. When completed, the plaza will have two new urban parks, wind and solar power collection and other environmental systems. No word yet on whether the topless bars will stick around or not - nevertheless, we can't wait to see the changes come to fruition!"

As of 2012, the green park spaces are opened in Queens Plaza. With the new buildings in the area, LIC no longer has such a blighted look. A number of new office buildings have been built on LIC. They are occupied by companies such as MetLife and Jet Blue. FreshDirect, a New York City online grocery store delivery company, operates out of LIC. CUNY's Law School is in LIC. Citigroup has expanded its presence in Long Island City with another building, 2 Court Square. Several other major companies and the NYC health department have major offices in Long Island City. New residential spaces are coming up in LIC. A number of developments are on the market and are selling or renting. LIC, is now the business center of Queens, and rapidly becoming an extension of Midtown. Its the perfect space for companies needing more office space, yet wanting to these offices close to their Manhattan offices. Its also a short commute to those who work in Midtown Manhattan. After all these years, LIC finally sheds its industrial past and becomes a vibrant, urban area.