Beechhurst, a part of Whitestone, is one of the top residential areas in Queens. Much of the credit should go to Shore Acres Realty that was given this area of over 100 acres to develop ideal housing over 100 years ago. The developers went about their work in exemplary manner and created a zone that was liked by the rich and famous soon after it became ready for residence.
Though some manufacturing made its way to Whitestone, Beechhurst was careful to tend to its natural wealth from the dawn of urbanization in the area. The word ‘hurst’ means ‘grove’ in German and the very name of this neighborhood celebrates its rich inventory of graceful beech trees. Beechhurst residents can be proud of their green environment in the midst of the urban convenience of Queens.
Little Bay Park, a riverfront space boasting bridge views, baseball fields, a roller hockey rink and dog run.
The neighborhood rests just west of the Throgs Neck Bridge to the Bronx.
166 Street, Beechhurst.
The Shore Acres real estate company laid careful plans for the judicious and balanced development of land placed in their care. They fixed the ideal plot size as one quarter of an acre-the entire complex is of over 100 acres-and this allowed for homes with generous space and yards to come up in unison. Interior home design in the Beechhurst tradition has always been a matter of architectural admiration. It is amongst the best examples of space utilization in Queens.
The Shore Acres real estate company laid careful plans for the judicious and balanced development of land placed in their care. They fixed the ideal plot size as one quarter of an acre-the entire complex is of over 100 acres-and this allowed for homes with generous space and yards to come up in unison.
PS 193 Alfred J Kennedy located at 152-20 11th Avenue, Queens.
The students at PS 193 completed their giant mural outside their school’s auditorium. The mural, which commemorates the founding of the school 50 years ago, depicts a snail shell, a dinosaur, a prism and a toucan, among other animals and objects. The painting is 28 feet tall and 56 feet wide.
Beechhurst attracted wealthy people and celebrities and the neighborhood responded to their needs with some luxurious and secluded estates by the waterfront. Arthur Hammerstein led a legion of Performing and Fine Artists to reside in the area. Though the Hammerstein home became the victim of neglect in the late 1980s, and was even the scene of suspected arson, local bodies are now seized of the need to preserve this important piece of history.
American Legion Post, 1020 Clintonville Street Whitestone NY 11357.
The Greek Orthodox Church, 15005 12th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11357.
The decay of the Hammerstein residence may have jolted residents in to strict vigilance, for they are now careful to build on the best features of their locality. They successfully opposed the attempting opening of a topless bar in the neighborhood. Tony’s Deli on 154th street, on the other hand, has made a name far and wide for its fresh bakes and extraordinarily friendly service. Beechhurst value is now improved in step-wise manner through broad-based participation in policy decisions. The future appears bright and Beechhurst is set to look after its assets better in the future. The Powells Cove Boulevard, which has fallen in to disrepair, could be an example of the near-term priorities that will engage the people and local authorities.
Le Havre On the Water, a waterfront cooperative on 28 park-like acres including two swimming pools, health club, café, tennis courts, and children’s playgrounds.
Beechhurst is not dogmatic in its approach to development and keeps pace with changing trends. Tall apartment blocks have joined the rows of individual homes ever since the 1960s. This has added to the type of accommodation available, and consequently to the diversity of folk who live here. It has also helped the cause of zoning by easing the pressure on space as demand for real estate in Queens grows.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, situated between Beechhurst and Malba, with its physical address as Whitestone.
The median household income in this area is about $70,000. The Holy Greek School and the Holy Trinity School lead an array of adequate educational facilities in and around Beechhurst. Shopping, recreation and entertainment are within convenient reach and the commute to downtown takes less than an hour with subway and bus options. Studios are available at around $900 though 2-bedroom homes can cost up to $2,500 a month.
