The redevelopment of 29-05 38th Avenue illustrates how targeted environmental remediation can unlock substantial economic and community value in New York City. Historically, automotive and warehouse operations resulted in petroleum impacts, chlorinated solvent contamination, and six previously undocumented underground storage tanks, which subsequently created regulatory complexities and financial risks that discouraged private investment.
Through strategic participation in New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program, these environmental challenges were fully addressed, culminating in the issuance of a Certificate of Completion by NYSDEC on September 15, 2025. The remediation included the removal of over 5,400 tons of impacted soil, achieving a Track 1 Unrestricted Use standard. Engineering and institutional controls were put in place to ensure long-term protection. This successful cleanup directly supported the construction of an eight-story mixed-use building featuring 63 residential units, including 19 affordable homes, and a new neighborhood grocery store developed under the FRESH program.
The grocery component improves access to fresh food, supports public health, and strengthens the local retail economy, while FRESH incentives encourage smart growth in a transit-rich area. Beyond physical redevelopment, the project demonstrates the broader economic multiplier effects of brownfield remediation: removing barriers to investment, stabilizing property values, creating jobs, and delivering mixed-income housing.
Project Focus: SPARC Kips Bay NYC
Athenica has been selected to provide Hazardous Materials Environmental consulting services for SPARC Kips Bay (Science Park and Research Campus) a $1.6 billion redevelopment of Hunter College’s Brookdale Campus in Kips Bay, Manhattan, led by NYCEDC in partnership with the City, State of New York, and CUNY. The project will replace the existing campus with over 2 million square feet of new facilities, including CUNY schools focused on public health and healthcare, a new NYC public high school for health and life sciences, and a life sciences hub at 455 First Avenue called Innovation East. Designed by Dattner Architects and Ennead Architects, the campus is projected to create more than 15,000 jobs and generate roughly $42 billion in economic impact over 30 years.
Deconstruction of the existing Brookdale buildings began in early 2026, with full construction of the new campus expected to kick off in 2027. Rather than a traditional demolition, the project uses a selective, piece-by-piece deconstruction approach aimed at diverting up to 95% of waste from landfills. Asbestos abatement is a key part of the process. Athenica’s experienced team is performing the air monitoring and necessary inspections to ensure a safe work environment for all trades working at the site and oversee abatement contractor’s adherence to applicable Federal, State and NY City Rules and Regulations.
