Elite Builders & Management completes ornamental steel project in Queens

Queens, NY Elite Builders & Management (EBM), a New York-based M/WBE design-build company specializing in ornamental, structural, and miscellaneous steel, completed the ornamental and some structural steel components at Jamaica Apartments, a 100% affordable income project developed by BFC Partners, SMJ Associates, and New Destiny Housing at 153-19 Jamaica Ave. in the Jamaica neighborhood. For the 21-story, 139-unit multifamily development, which also has more than 5,000 s/f of retail space along Jamaica Ave., EBM has installed 1,000 linear ft. of stair rails, a 30-ft. by 9-ft. canopy, external platforms, cage ladders, and exterior rails.

“EBM is a strong advocate of affordable housing and this is a project in which we are particularly proud to be participating,” said Christella Xu, president of EBM. “Jamaica Apartments is the third mixed-use, affordable income development project we have worked on this year and we are grateful that not even the pandemic has slowed down the continuing growth of the sector.”

Located near Rufus King Park and close to public transportation, the developers have allocated 50 percent of the residences to survivors and victims of domestic violence. To that end, the design includes offices for case workers, along with dedicated community space managed by New Destiny Housing. Jamaica Apartments will also feature a fitness room, children’s playroom, residents lounge, active outdoor space, and on-site laundry facilities.

In addition to EBM, the project team includes architects GF55 Partners, Skyline Engineers, Severud Associates, Steven Winter Associates, William Vitacco Associates, and Wells Fargo.