Scarano Architect designs 43-unit Vere 26 condominium development

With its blue glass curtain wall rising 12 stories, punctuated by an exposed geometric framework, Vere 26, a luxury condominium development at 26-26 Jackson Ave., Queens, and featuring 43 residences, plus ground floor retail space, is eliciting responses from the architectural community, condominium buyers and even real estate blogs. Designed by Robert Scarano, Jr. AIA, FARA, ALA, the building is one of the most acclaimed condominium projects to be completed in the city in recent years. Architect and author Norval White said in a New York Times interview last spring that the building would be included in the "2010 AIA Guide to New York City," the seminal work published every 10 years that defines the most architecturally significant buildings in the city. "We were able to create a building in an emerging neighborhood that provided me with an architecturally clean palette," said Scarano, who is president and founder of Scarano Architect PLLC. "There are several new projects in this area that are helping to build a new and exciting community, but this building adds a new sense of glamour and excitement to the mix." Since first submitting designs for the project, Scarano has consistently received accolades from his peers, including two prized awards from the National Society of American Registered Architects (SARA), that include a 2008 National Design Award and 2007 New York Council Design Award of Honor. Moreover, the public agrees, as well, because more than 60% of the residences have already sold since Vere 26 was introduced to the market in 2009. Residences range in size from 470 s/f studios to 1,190 s/f two bedroom homes. Many units also include balconies. The developer of the project is 2626 Jackson Ave., LLC.