2025.05.13_ARCH501_Steinway Still Here_DeFazio_Konstantinos_Kitsios

Steinway Still Here Revitalizing Steinway St for healthier Futures Arch-502 Design VIII Thesis Studio Thesis Book Professor John DeFazio Konstantinos Kitsios

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Design VIII DeFazio

Contents Executive Summary

pg. 5

Steinway Context

pg. 7

Existing Developments

pg. 11

Historical Context

pg. 15

Site Analysis

pg. 21

Precedents

pg. 27

Program

pg. 33

Moodboard & Sketches

pg. 35

Storyboards

pg. 39

Concept Interventions

pg. 43

Final Community Center

pg. 47

Final Commercial Agora

pg. 89

Works Cited

pg. 107

Kitsios Thesis 2025

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Design VIII DeFazio

Mind/Body/ Community/ Society/ Environment/ Architecture Re-thinking Processes of Making For Healthier Futures

Kitsios Thesis 2025

Executive Summary This thesis proposes a revitalization of Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens by integrating mind, body, community, society, and environment through urban architecture. Growing up next to Steinway Street my entire life, walking up and down each way while shopping with my mother is ingrained in me to this day. Whenever you needed anything, Steinway always had a local business that would provide it for you. Through a granular approach, Steinway could become what it once was over a decade ago. Through research and intervention ideas, this thesis aims to give just enough change to allow the commercial street to thrive for the residents and shoppers of the neighborhood. Keeping in mind the prompt, I plan to create unique spaces and bring back the sense of community in this melting pot of a street. To begin, I first understood it as a core or spine that spans multiple blocks.

From there I planned to look at the challenges it currently suffers from and how it tries to survive in a post Covid-19 world.

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Steinway Queens District 1

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Steinway Problems Current Challenges: •

Public health concerns, including negative physical and mental health outcomes

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Environmental issues such as noise, pollution, and overcrowded sidewalks.

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Limited green space and public amenities, leading to a disconnect between the environment, community, and urban fabric.

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High rents causing the closure of family-owned businesses and an increase in abandoned storefronts.

Zoning Designations: •

Includes C4 and C2 commercial zones, R5 and R6 residential zones, and R6B/C2-3 mixed-use districts.

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety: •

The street prioritizes vehicular traffic and commerce over pedestrian and community well-being.

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Recent years have seen 249 traffic-related incidents, including 95 pedestrian injuries.

Economic Decline: •

Many storefronts remain abandoned, reflecting economic pressures and high rents.

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Loss of local, family-owned businesses that historically defined the character of Steinway Street.

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Project Goals Methodology: •

Urban Analysis: A detailed study of Steinway Street’s current urban fabric, including traffic flow, pedestrian patterns, building usage, and green space. This analysis will identify challenges and opportunities for redesign.

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Sustainable Design Strategies: Research and apply sustainable architecture principles such as energy-efficient buildings, passive solar design, and renewable materials that promote clean living and minimize environmental impact.

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Health-Oriented Public Space Design: Focus on the integration of parks, plazas, green roofs, and other elements that foster both mental and physical well-being.

Expected Outcomes: •

Create a blueprint for Steinway Street’s transformation into a healthier, more sustainable public space that connects the mind, body, community, and environment.

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Integrate mental and physical well-being for residents and visitors through thoughtful design interventions.

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Development of green infrastructure and sustainable design that can serve as a model for other urban areas.

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Mayor Eric Adams Proposal Steinway Street Redesign

The $12 million streetscape improvement proposal for Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens, spearheaded by the Adams Administration.

Key Features: •

Installation of midblock curb extensions between 30th and 34th Avenues.

These extensions are designed to naturally slow down vehicle traffic, increasing pedestrian safety and enhancing the flow of foot traffic.

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Development of two new green spaces, one at the Steinway Landmark Clock and another at Municipal Parking Lot #2, located between Broadway and 31st Avenue.

These spaces are envisioned to beautify the area and provide residents with welcoming outdoor areas.

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By improving walkability and public infrastructure, the initiative aims to attract more shoppers to the area, helping small businesses recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The enhanced streetscape is expected to make Steinway Street a destination corridor for shopping and dining.

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The project was developed in collaboration with local organizations like the Steinway Astoria Partnership, which has long advocated for streetscape improvements to make the area more pedestrian-friendly and appealing to residents and visitors alike.

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The project aligns with the city’s “City of Yes” zoning changes, aimed at supporting economic recovery, modernizing outdated regulations, and addressing storefront vacancies. It also connects with larger infrastructure investments across the city that total nearly $3 billion.

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Existing Ongoing Development Innovation QNS Project by ODA

One major initiative is Innovation QNS, a $2 billion development spearheaded by Silverstein Properties, Kaufman Astoria Studios, and Bedrock Real Estate Partners.

This project, located between Steinway Street and Northern Boulevard, Centered on five blocks at the intersection of Steinway Street and 35th Avenue and includes over 2,800 units of mixed-income housing, with more than 700 permanently affordable units.

It will also feature 200,000 square feet of retail space, 250,000 square feet for creative industries, a new school, and nearly two acres of open public spaces. The project aims to expand the Kaufman Arts District, introducing more cultural and communityfocused amenities, such as a wellness center, multiplex cinema, and a new grocery store​.

This development reflects the growing demand for mixed-use spaces that address both housing and community needs.

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Timeline of Astoria

1652

The first inhabitant of now-Astoria, British-born William Hallett, settles in the area with other immigrants thanks to Native Americans helping them document the land. Eventually the settlement gets renamed to Hallet’s Way.

1840s 1850s

During the 1840s and 1850s it grew slowly inland from the ferry landing at the foot of Astoria Boulevard (where an early settlement was known as Hallett’s Cove). Wealthy New Yorkers built mansions on 12th and 14th streets and on 27th Avenue.

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1839

It was developed from 1839 by Stephen A. Halsey, a fur merchant who petitioned the state legislature to name it for the prominent fur trader John Jacob Astor, in an unsuccessful effort to have Astor become a financial patron of the area.

1853

Steinway & Sons is founded in Manhattan by Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg (later Henry Steinway), establishing its reputation as a premier piano manufacturer.

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1870s 1880s

William Steinway, and a wave of German immigrants, came and purchased farmland in Astoria, Queens, and begins developing “Steinway Village,” a self-sufficient community for workers. This period also saw other German-speaking communities settling in.

1880

Steinway Village expands, including worker housing, parks, and essential services like a church, schools, and a trolley line, laying the infrastructure for what would become Steinway Street​.

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1873

Steinway & Sons opens its Astoria factory, moving operations from Manhattan to Queens to reduce labor unrest and access larger production facilities.

1920s 1930s

Italian immigrants began arriving in larger numbers, contributing to Astoria’s cultural and culinary identity. Many worked in factories and small businesses in the neighborhood, including along Steinway Street​.

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1930s 1940s

Steinway Street transitions into a commercial hub, evolving from its industrial roots as businesses cater to a growing immigrant population in Astoria.

1970s

Arab immigrants, particularly from Egypt, began settling along Steinway Street, creating a “Little Egypt” enclave. This community brought unique cultural contributions, including Middle Eastern cuisine and businesses.

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1940s 1960s

Greek immigrants arrived during and after World War II, driven by economic hardship and political turmoil in Greece. By the 1960s, Astoria was home to one of the largest Greek populations outside Greece. Greek restaurants, churches, and businesses became a defining feature of the area.

1990s Now

Immigrants from Latin America, South Asia, and Eastern Europe have contributed to Astoria’s growing diversity. These groups have added to the neighborhood’s cultural tapestry, maintaining Astoria’s reputation as one of the most diverse areas in Queens​.

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Mapping Analysis

Mixed Use

Single Family

Solid in Project

Bus Stops

One Floor

Public Use

Solid Beyond

Bus Rout

Multifamily

Parks

Train Rou

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High Traffic

tes

Medium-High

utes

Medium-Low Low Traffic

NYC Issued Trees

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Demographics

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Furman Center Data

Racial and Ethnic Composition of Astoria 2000 2018-2022

Asian Black Hispanic White 0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

60%

80%

100%

Household Income DistributionS 2000 2018-2022 <=$20,000 $20,000$40,000 $40,000$60,000 $60,000$100,000 $100,000$250,000 >$250,000 0%

20%

40%

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Real Median Gross Rent 2006-2022 Astoria

Queens

Citywide

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1500

1000

2006

2010

2014

2018

erious Crime Rates Per 1,000 Residents, 2023 Astoria

Queens

Citywide

10 8 6 4 2 0

Property Crime Rate

Violent Crime Rate

2022

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Precedents

Field Operations and SITELAB Reveal Urban Design Plan to Revive One of San Francisco’s Iconic Streets.

By Maria-Cristina Florian. June 17, 2024.

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Agora Maximus, Tactical Urbanism Project / LAAB Collective, Montreal, Canada

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A.R.R.O.W Field Community Center, Astoria, Queens

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Program

Pocket parks meant to provide as pedestrian rest stops, scenic outdoor experiences, and interactive user pieces.

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Localized Steinway Street bus route that stops at the middle of each block while following its own bus lane

Cultural centers designed to represent different needs and cultures per Steinway Street block

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Mood Board

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Initial Concepts

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Story Boards

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Expanded Intervetions

Pocket Park Iteration 1

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Pocket Park Iteration 2

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Community Center Iteration

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Final Development Steinway Street Community Center

Steinway Street V Kitsios Thesis 2025

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Steinway Community Center

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Plan 1

D D E

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Program

A) Steinway St Entrance B) Lobby C) Courtyard Entrance D) Bathrooms E) Storage F) Steinway Museum G) Courtyard H) New Park Entrance

B A

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Plan 2

B C

A

Program

A) Gallery B) Faculty Office C) Faculty Lounge

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A

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Plan 3

B B

Program

A) Gathering Space B) Bathroom

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Plan 4

A

B

Program

A) Roof Mezzanine B) Roof Terrace

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Steinway Perspective Section

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50 ft

37.5 ft

25 ft

12.5 ft

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Long Section 1

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Long Section 2

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Short Section 1

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Short Section 2

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Short Section 3

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Structural Axon

Model

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Steinway Street View

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Courtyard

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Commercial Entrance and Lobby

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Steinway Museum

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Free Gallery Space

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Gathering Space

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Roof Terrace Mezzanine

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Final Development Steinway Street Commercial Agora

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The Agora

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Short Section

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Long Section

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Steinway St. Entrance

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41st St. Entrance

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Structural Axon

Steinway Will Be Here

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Works Cited

Demographics: •

Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy. “Astoria.” State of New York City’s Housing and Neighborhoods. NYU Furman Center, https://furmancenter.org/ neighborhoods/view/astoria.

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New York City Police Department. “Crime Statistics.” NYC.gov, https://www.nyc. gov/site/nypd/stats/crime-statistics/crime-statistics-landing.page.

Existing Proposals: •

Archinect News. “2B Project in Astoria Calls for Massive Mixed-Use District with 2,700 Housing Units.” Archinect, https://archinect.com/news/article/150205185/2bproject-in-astoria-calls-for-massive-mixed-use-district-with-2-700-housing-units.

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ODA Architecture. “Innovation QNS.” ODA Architecture, https://oda-architecture. com/projects/innovation-qns/.

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Small, Eddie. “City Council Approves Astoria Megaproject Innovation QNS.” Commercial Observer, 22 Nov. 2022, https://commercialobserver.com/2022/11/citycouncil-approves-astoria-megaproject-innovation-qns/.

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New York City Department of City Planning. “City Planning Commission Certifies Proposal for Innovation QNS.” NYC.gov, 22 Nov. 2023, https://www.nyc.gov/site/ planning/about/press-releases/pr-20231122.page.

Precedents: •

ArchDaily. “Field Operations and SITELAB Reveal Urban Design Plan to Revive One of San Francisco’s Iconic Streets.” ArchDaily, 15 Dec. 2024, https://www.archdaily. com/1017764/field-operations-and-sitelab-reveal-urban-design-plan-to-reviveone-of-san-franciscos-iconic-streets.

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ArchDaily. “Agora Maximus Tactical Urbanism Project / LAAB Collective + Signature Design Communication.” ArchDaily, 9 Oct. 2022, https://www.archdaily. com/989808/agora-maximus-tactical-urbanism-project-laab-collective-plussignature-design-communication.

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NYC Parks. “Arrow Field House.” NYC Parks, https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/ arrow-field-house.

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Zoning: •

NYC Planning. “Zoning District: C4-2A.” Zoning and Land Use Map, https://zola. planning.nyc.gov/l/zoning-district/C4-2A?search=false#17.1/40.763289/-73.915475.

History: •

Tarleton, Jonathan. “Field Trip: Steinway Village.” Urban Omnibus, 26 June 2013, https://urbanomnibus.net/2013/06/field-trip-steinway-village/.

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Cohen, Spencer. “History of NYC Streets: Steinway Street in Astoria, Queens.”

Untapped New York, 9 Apr. 2014, https://www.untappedcities.com/history-of-nycstreets-steinway-street-in-astoria-queens/.

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Rosenberg, Rebecca. “Steinway: The Story of Astoria.” Macaulay ePortfolios, 2009,

https://eportfolios.macaulay.cuny.edu/seminars/rosenberg09/articles/s/t/e/

Steinway.html.

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Zukin, Sharon. “History – Steinway Street.” Macaulay ePortfolios, 2017, https:// eportfolios.macaulay.cuny.edu/zukin17steinwaystreet/history/.