GKA-designed Vista Court tops out, a 15-story Long Island City condo; Tishman Construction Corp.

Vista Court, the new residential property at 44-15 Purves St. in Long Island City designed by Gene Kaufman Architect, P.C. (GKA), recently celebrated its topping off with construction slated for completion in the spring of 2013. The 15-story condominium, developed by Emmy Homes and Vantage Partners, will feature a mix of 48 studios and one- and two-bedroom residences with a glass façade highlighted by bay windows and balconies. Once complete, this residential destination will also offer feng shui elements to appeal to a growing base of enthusiasts and design-savvy home buyers. There will be no fourth floor in the building because the number is considered unlucky. Additionally, in accordance with feng shui principles, the residences will not have balconies adjacent to the living room and the entrance to each home will not face another interior door. "Vista Court is a distinctive addition to a continually diversifying neighborhood that has emerged as a creative alternative to Manhattan," said Gene Kaufman, founder of GKA. "This is a pivotal time in the transformation of Long Island City and we are delighted to participate in that change." The new condo, will offer spa-inspired amenities including a yoga studio and a lobby design which will incorporate mirrors and flowing water elements. The new building will also offer residents a fitness center, free wi-fi and a landscaped roof deck. About Gene Kaufman Architect Gene Kaufman Architect (GKA), has built a sterling reputation in the real estate and private development arenas for high-caliber and high-impact designs that are both innovative and highly-efficient. For more than 25 years, GKA has cultivated strong, collaborative relationships with some of the most active developers in real estate, helping them realize substantial bottom-line results through thoughtful design. GKA is the most prolific hotel architect in the history of New York City having completed over two dozen new Manhattan hotels over the last 10 years. GKA also specializes in urban developments, notably multi-family residential and adaptive reuse projects as well as new residential, commercial, educational and institutional buildings. Corollary areas of expertise include zoning, land use changes, variances, urban planning and historic restoration. In 2011, GKA joined forces with celebrated modernist master Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects, forming Gwathmey Siegel Kaufman & Associates. GKA and GSKA work collaboratively to extend their reach and provide a full spectrum of architectural services to clients.