Reconstruction to Start Soon on Fire-Damaged Jackson Heights Building

The owner of this four-story building in Jackson Heights that was severely damaged in a fire in April has received the initial go-ahead from the Department of Buildings and plans to begin the extensive repairs and rebuilding within a few weeks. The structure, which was built in 1948, was damaged in a fire in April and has been empty ever since. The fire was started by an overloaded power strip and spread quickly because a door was left open on the third floor. Many commercial tenants including Armondo’s Italian Restaurant, Plaza College and others, many of whom were Bangladeshi immigrants, have been displaced ever since the blaze broke out.

Craig Bruno, 58, one of three trustees of The Joseph Bruno Trust, which owns the building at 37th Avenue between 74th and 75th Streets, is the grandson of Joseph Bruno, who built the original structure. He told DNAinfo: “My timeline is I’d like to get it done yesterday, but with all the permits it’ll take as long as it takes…our heart breaks for all the tenants who lost quite a bit and we want to get them back in there.”

Bruson Building Reconstruction Will Begin Soon, Owner Says [DNAinfo]

Photo: DNAinfo