Criterion Responds to Development Plans for Joe Abbracciamento Site

The other week, news broke that the Criterion Group planned to build a new seven-story, 120-unit residential development at the former Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant site on Woodhaven Boulevard. We never heard back from Criterion on details for the coming build, but a Criterion rep spoke briefly to the Forum Newsgroup. The rep stated, “I’m surprised by how much interest this has already generated. We haven’t even finished our design stage yet. We are still waiting for the property to be acquired.” (Word is that the property sold for over $10,000,000.) A DOB spokesperson followed up, saying that Criterion is only in the beginning phases of development, with no permits issued yet. So far there’s only a building application for 81,719 square feet of residential space and 3,910 square feet for parking.

Rego-Forest Preservation Council was hoping the developers would maintain or restore the building’s historic character, but it looks like demolition may be in the near future.

Abbracciamento Building May Become Residential Housing: Developer [The Forum]
A Residential Development Is Coming for the Former Abbracciamentos’ Block [Q’Stoner] GMAP