An illustrative neighborhood view, not a rendering of a specific project.
Look across Long Island City and the cranes can make it seem as if every announced project is already underway. The reality is more varied: some residential towers are rising, a new school is moving ahead, smaller buildings are in the permit pipeline, and the neighborhood’s biggest affordable-housing project is still preparing for construction.
Here’s a practical snapshot of what’s happening as of October 27, 2026-and what it could mean if you’re buying, renting, or already own in LIC.
The Orion is the biggest project in the pipeline, not a current jobsite
The most significant recent announcement is The Orion, planned for a long-vacant, city-owned site at Hunters Point South. The three-building development is expected to add about 980 homes, with approximately 658 income-restricted apartments. The city selected Slate Property Group and Hudson Companies, with Volunteers of America–Greater New York as co-developer.
The plans go beyond housing. The project includes a daycare center, workforce development center, ground-floor retail, and an indoor community pool to be operated by Commonpoint Queens. About one-third of the homes are expected to be family-sized.
The important distinction: The Orion is not under construction yet. The city announced the development team in July, and the project is now in predevelopment, working toward financing and other steps before construction can begin. According to the city’s HPD announcement, land-use approvals are in place and no further ULURP process is required. It is a major future addition, but not a near-term source of new apartments.
An illustrative view of residential growth and public space in Queens.
Towers are rising in Court Square and Queens Plaza
Several projects are further along. At 30-25 Queens Boulevard, a 46-story tower is under construction. It is planned for 561 homes, including rentals, condos, and 169 affordable apartments, plus ground-floor retail. Recent reporting from QNS described construction at roughly one-quarter of the building’s planned height in August, with completion expected in 2028.
At 42-19 24th Street, another high-rise has reached a more advanced stage: its structural frame was reported to be nearing 75% completion in August. The planned 38-story building includes 207 apartments and a small amount of ground-floor commercial space. Urbanize New York’s progress update put the expected completion in 2027.
Vera, at 23-07 43rd Avenue, is at an earlier construction stage. Its architect reported a June groundbreaking, with excavation and foundation work expected to continue through late winter and podium work planned for spring 2027. The first building is planned to have more than 500 condos, while a second building is expected to include nearly 100 affordable homes, according to Handel Architects.
Together, they show why “under construction” can mean very different things.
A school is on the way, too
Housing is only part of the neighborhood’s growth. PS 508Q, a new school on 43rd Avenue, is expected to open in September 2028. With foundation work underway, it is a concrete example of community infrastructure advancing alongside residential development.
That timing matters to families weighing a move: check the latest official school updates rather than assuming services are already available.
Illustrative image; not a photo of the PS 508Q construction site.
Smaller projects add another layer
LIC’s pipeline also includes buildings on a more neighborhood scale. Permits were filed in October for a 22-unit mixed-use building at 40-12 Crescent Street, with residential apartments above commercial space, according to QNS.
A 41-unit condo at 10-56 46th Road is also moving through the development process. The project received construction financing this fall, but that is not the same as confirming that construction is underway.
Meanwhile, smaller condo projects are adding options at the sales stage. CityRealty’s fall development roundup includes LIC buildings such as The Dutch Collection, The Icon, and Cresyn. These boutique buildings have fewer homes than the big towers and often offer a different mix of layouts, amenities, and building scale.
Smaller projects matter because neighborhood change is not just about skyline height.
Illustrative mid-rise residential scene; not a specific LIC development.
What it means for buyers, renters, and owners
For buyers: More projects can mean more choice, but new construction still comes at a premium. CondoBook research puts the median price for new LIC condo closings at about $1,456 per square foot as of October 2026. That is a new-development benchmark, not a price for every LIC home, so compare building age, location, monthly charges, taxes, and amenities. If you’re looking for condos for sale in Queens, boutique projects may offer a different balance of features and scale than a full-service tower.
For renters: More housing adds supply over time, but announced projects won’t all deliver at once. The more immediate opportunity is the DOMI lottery at 29-24 40th Avenue: 57 apartments are being offered through Housing Connect, with applications due November 10, 2026. Check the official Housing Connect listing for eligibility, income limits, and application instructions. A lottery is a real option for eligible households, but selection is not guaranteed. For apartments for rent in Queens, it’s useful to track both market listings and affordable-housing lotteries.
For owners: New schools, homes, retail, and community facilities may strengthen LIC’s appeal, but the benefits arrive on different schedules. Construction can also mean years of noise, changing views, and street disruption. For owners assessing their next move, a neighborhood’s construction pipeline is one factor, not a guarantee of future property value.
The practical takeaway
The cranes are real, but the projects are at different stages. Some towers are rising now; PS 508Q is advancing toward its 2028 opening; smaller buildings are filing permits or securing financing; and The Orion remains in predevelopment. OneLIC’s approval in November 2025 set a broader framework for up to 14,700 homes over time, but that long-range plan should not be confused with homes available today.
If you’re weighing a purchase or move, check each project’s status, timeline, and affordability details before making plans. Armas Group NYC, a local Queens real estate agency, can help LIC buyers and renters compare current options and understand how neighborhood changes fit their goals.