Cover Feature Mann Report

At Long (Island City) Last: The Orchard Rises

Roof terrace (Photo by Binyan Studios)

The launch of leasing at The Orchard does more than signify the addition of much-needed housing in New York City — it is almost literally monumental.

Soaring 823 feet above Long Island City, Queens, making it the tallest rental tower in the borough, The Orchard offers 824 residences, comprising 576 market-rate rental apartments and 248 affordable homes.

Its goal, said Bldg Management Co., the full-service, vertically-integrated real estate investment, management and development firm behind the project, is to introduce a new standard for luxury living in one of the city’s most vibrant and pace-setting neighborhoods, “where bold design, immersive amenities, rare outdoor experiences and sweeping views converge at one premier address.”

“We’re incredibly proud to introduce The Orchard, a project that reflects our long-standing commitment to shaping the future of Long Island City,” said Lloyd Goldman, president of Bldg Management. “Having owned this site for nearly 60 years, we set out to create a development that honors the neighborhood’s history and elevates its modern identity. From the residences to New York’s largest private backyard space, we’ve crafted an unparalleled living experience and look forward to welcoming our first residents as this remarkable new chapter comes to life.”

Located at the intersection of Orchard Street and Jackson Avenue and commanding a full city block, the 70-story tower offers a refined contemporary lifestyle framed by 360-degree skyline panoramas. Bridging Long Island City’s industrial heritage with its creative energy and modern appeal, The Orchard was conceived as both a landmark destination and an authentic expression of the neighborhood’s history and character. Incorporated in 1870, Long Island City became an industrial hub due to its location on the East River waterfront, most famously as the home to the Silvercup Bread Company factory, as well as other manufacturing plants. The decline of manufacturing beginning in the 1970s saw these large spaces abandoned except for the toxic waste left behind.

But a waterfront property — especially a location that is within minutes of the 7, E, M, F, G, N, R and W subway lines, Long Island Railroad, Citi Bike stations and the New York City Ferry — couldn’t be neglected for long. Lloyd Goldman’s father and uncle, Irving and Sol Goldman, invested in the area, acquiring a site that was originally part of Greenpoint Terminal in the 1960s and the family bided its time.

Others, meanwhile, began building. The Silvercup Bread Factory was converted to the Silvercup Studios film and television production facility in 1983. Rezonings changed abandoned factories into residential neighborhoods with schools, parks and more. In 2025, the New York City Council approved the “One LIC” plan that is expected to transform 54 blocks in the neighborhood. The $2 billion plan would add some 15,000 new residential units (about 4,300 of them affordable), commercial space and more.

By the early 2020s, the time was right for Bldg Management to build on its long-held property.

“We have held this site for nearly 60 years, and its served the neighborhood in different ways, from the American Steel Wool building to Woody Allen’s cutting space,” said Lloyd Goldman.

“Long Island City has become one of New Yorks most compelling residential neighborhoods, and this felt like the right moment to introduce something that reflects where Long Island City is today.”

In mid-2023, Bldg Management secured a $425 million construction loan, led by M&T Bank, along with U.S. Bank and Bank of China, Israel Discount Bank, City National Bank and Bank Hapoalim. Construction began in June 2023.

Designed by Perkins Eastman, The Orchard’s façade pairs brick, glass and metal elements with elegant vertical articulation to acknowledge the area’s past. Rising on a site once home to the American Steel Wool Building and later a film distribution hub where movie canisters were shipped out and film editors worked, The Orchard reimagines this lively history as a new architectural icon for Long Island City. When illuminated, its crown will serve as a beacon on New York’s skyline. The Orchard was constructed by Triton Construction, with Thornton Tomasetti serving as structural engineer.

“Perkins Eastman is one of the most respected design firms. They truly understand how to design buildings that respond to their surroundings and history,” Goldman said. “They were able to capture Long Island City’s industrial roots while giving the building a modern, forward-looking feel, creating something that’s both timeless and distinctly of this neighborhood.”

The timing also aligned with how renter expectations have evolved, Goldman continued. Even as new buildings arose, prices increased, too. According to Apartments.com, the average rent in Long Island City in January 2026 was $3,676 per month, 126% higher than the national average rent, up 3.3% year-over-year.

“Todays renters are looking for a residence that enhances how they live, and The Orchard was designed to deliver on that while supporting Long Island City’s evolution as a vibrant residential and cultural neighborhood,” Goldman said, noting that the area includes green spaces, shops and cultural institutions such as the MoMA PS1, The Noguchi Museum and the Museum of the Moving Image. “The amenities are exceptional: spaces for wellness, including indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facilities, work areas, social spaces and outdoor retreats that integrate seamlessly into daily life. We felt the market was ready for this level of offering, and we’re seeing residents embrace it.”

The Orchard’s interiors by McCartan also offer expressions of industrial modernism. Designed to evoke a tranquil retreat, the arrival sequence begins with an elevated entryway and covered porte-cochère that lead into a dramatic double-height lobby. Two tailored orchard murals with ornate embellishments add texture and depth, while tall columns, natural materials and art-inspired details create a spectacular first impression.

The Orchard’s studio to three-bedroom residences cater to multiple household styles, with select homes featuring private balconies or terraces. Residents can choose from four collections: The Residences, The Terrace Collection, The Premier and Penthouse Collection and The Sky Collection.

Each residence offers open layouts with high ceilings and oversized windows that flood interiors with natural light while framing sweeping city and backyard views. The kitchens are appointed with modern solid-surface countertops and matching backsplashes, stainless steel appliances, including a Samsung gas range stove, and two-tone custom cabinetry. Bathrooms feature refined, stylish tiled walls, floors and showers, illuminated vanity mirrors and integrated floating sinks. Premium flooring brings warmth into the space, and every home includes in-unit laundry, programmable climate control and pre-wired WiFi. Solar shades are provided throughout, with blackout shades in bedrooms for comfort and privacy.

Each residential floor is accented with one of four signature corridor colors – red, blue, yellow and green – allowing residents the chance to select the atmosphere and aesthetic that they prefer.

Amenities span multiple floors and total more than 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. The heart is a 60,000-square-foot landscaped Backyard on the third floor, with plantings designed and selected by Hank White of HMWhite, a New York–based landscape architecture studio. Features include an apple orchard with shaded paths, a resort-style pool with cabanas, three pickleball courts, a large running track, an outdoor media screen for movies and events, a great lawn for picnics and relaxation, a yoga deck, a life-size chess set, an outdoor games area, barbecue grills, large fire pit, a children’s playground and a fenced dog park.

The third-floor Fieldhouse provides a fitness center with Technogym equipment, a boxing studio and a versatile open- concept studio with dedicated Pilates and stretch-and-flow spaces. A full-size indoor basketball court with a screen and film projector offers space for games and training, while the aquatic center includes an indoor lap pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna for relaxation. The building also boasts The Treehouse, a playfully designed children’s playroom.

On the fourth floor, The Commons offers self-serve coffee bars and a variety of spaces for entertainment, leisure and dining. Highlights include a multi-sport simulator, full-size arcade game room with ping pong and billiards tables and screening and multimedia theaters with kitchenettes. The business center is equipped with co-working areas, secluded nooks and conference rooms in addition to a podcast studio and lounge. An event room, outdoor terrace and overlook provide elegant settings for gatherings and connection.

The Orchard’s 70th floor Sky Lounge will be a full-floor retreat offering all residents penthouse views of the city. Complete with a bar, full-service kitchen and seating area centered around a bespoke fireplace, it provides an elegant setting for dining or unwinding with friends and loved ones.

On-site services are powered by LIVunLtd and a 24-hour attended lobby. Residents benefit from LIVunLtd’s dedicated hospitality team with personalized support such as move-in assistance and home setup to pet care, fitness programming, custom events and more. The covered porte-cochère connects directly to a two-story garage with 207 parking spaces available for rent.

Additional building amenities include bicycle storage, a mailroom, a package room with refrigerated storage, resident storage units and a dog wash. The tower also features 14,550 square feet of retail space along Jackson Avenue, which, upon opening in late 2026, will bring new offerings to residents and the broader community.

“Long Island City is one of New York’s most dynamic residential markets, with strong demand for full-service living,” said Jodi Stasse, executive vice president of new developments at The Corcoran Group, The Orchard’s exclusive marketing and leasing agent. “The Orchard takes that lifestyle to the next level with striking architecture, thoughtfully designed interiors and expansive outdoor spaces. From rooftop dining and co-working lounges to pet-friendly areas and courts for basketball and pickleball, every detail is curated to inspire. It’s a community with something for everyone — where convenience meets sophistication.”