Sprawling co-op complex in Jackson Heights surrounding a private garden
Residents at Dunolly Gardens live in one of six art moderne-style buildings that encircle a tranquil private courtyard dotted with towering trees, flowers and shrubs as well as plenty of places to sit and relax. Designed by architect Andrew J. Thomas in the waning years of the Great Depression, the identical six-story brick structures feature a spare, stark aesthetic with simple brick banding and occupy a full city block in Jackson Heights, making them one of the largest developments in the diverse central Queens neighborhood. “It's a very community-friendly building,” says Shadaby Azam, a longtime Dunolly Gardens resident and agent with EXP Realty who has sold multiple units at the property. “They have garden parties out there, and everyone will come out.” Eschewing a boxy look, the buildings feature numerous setbacks that give them a unique M-shaped silhouette and create an abundance of corner units. The AIA Guide to New York City describes the building as equipped “with the very modern corner windows of the 1930s that did, in fact, expand the perceived apartment space.” Being set in the heart of Queens, renowned for its eclectic restaurant offerings, also has advantages for residents. “I was torn between here and Forest Hills, but the community, the food, the accessibility and the location — nothing beats it,” says Azam.
Studios to two-bedroom homes starting at $250,000
There are five layouts available at Dunolly Gardens, from studios to two-bedroom, two-bathroom units that can be converted to add a third bedroom. Each of the six buildings is identical and holds 60 residences, for a total of 360 across the whole compound. “Most of the apartments I sell here have the original floors from 1939, so it just shows what good quality they used to have that these are still going,” says Azam. “Also, there are not many load-bearing walls, so there's a lot you can play with.” Common elements include entry halls, linen closets, separate kitchens and bedrooms equipped with en-suite bathrooms. When the complex was converted from rentals to co-op dwellings in the 1980s, units that were vacated got new bathrooms and kitchens. Across the buildings, boilers, roofs, elevators, windows, doors, lobby interiors, entrances and intercoms were updated, according to a 1986 article from The New York Times. Prices vary based on size and condition, with studios starting at around $250,000, one-bedrooms at $300,000, and two-bedrooms at $375,000. The most expensive recent sale was a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit that was acquired in July 2023 for $675,000.
The shared garden is a year-round community space
The biggest draw at Dunolly Gardens is its ample green space, which includes a gated landscaped courtyard dotted with mature trees and seating areas, as well as sidewalk-facing pocket lawns and planting beds. “When the weather is nice, you'll see a lot of people working in the garden; they'll have picnics out there. It's a very user-friendly space,” says Azam. Residents have access to the shared outdoor area year-round (although dogs are not permitted) and it’s accessible from all six buildings as well as from the sidewalk via keyed entry points. Every year, the Dunolly Garden Committee organizes fundraisers, such as a flea market and garden party, to help support upkeep; they also oversee a small children’s garden where kids learn how to grow vegetables and herbs that residents are free to use.
Laundry can be done without ever leaving the complex, as each of the structures is equipped with its own shared facility. There are also elevators, storage lockers and bike rooms in each building, as well as one event space for the entire property that can be rented out. “We have two live-in supers, and a porter per building working under the super,” she explains. “And we also have composting, which is lovely.” While there’s no gym on site, a Blink Fitness is located on Roosevelt Avenue, a 10-minute walk from the property. In addition, the community itself is something of an asset, with numerous online groups dedicated to the building. “We have Google groups with people bartering and giving away things to neighbors, as well as a parent's group for the building,” says Azam. “That’s one of the things that made me want to buy here — a community feel where everyone’s supportive.”
A diverse neighborhood known for its eclectic food offerings
The term “garden apartment” is said to have originated in Jackson Heights, which became a haven for the middle-class in the early 20th century, as developers targeted the neighborhood for large-scale projects. Today, the enclave is filled with low-rise and mid-rise residential buildings that surround elaborate private gardens and contain no retail. With styles including Tudor, Italianate and Mediterranean, many of the historic developments (Dunolly Gardens among them) are now protected as part of the Jackson Heights Historic District. This status gives the neighborhood a tranquil character on the tree-lined side streets, with most commercial operations clustered on major thoroughfares such as Roosevelt Avenue, Broadway and Northern Boulevard. The area has a few public parks, including the neighboring Travers Park, which underwent a $7 million renovation in recent years and includes basketball courts and a playground.
Around the city, Jackson Heights is known for its abundance of restaurants serving international cuisines, especially Colombian, Mexican, Bengali, Nepalese, Indian and Middle Eastern. Some of the most famous spots include Arepa Lady, just one block from Dunolly Gardens, and Nepali Bhanchha Ghar, which takes about 10 minutes to walk to. The neighborhood is also home to a handful of acclaimed bakeries, such as the French-style Cannelle Patisserie as well as Lety’s Bakery and Café, a Mexican-owned destination serving Italian pastries and coffee. Grocery shopping can be done at Foodtown or Food Dynasty, both reachable in five minutes if walking. Also nearby is Lemon Farm, a smaller option brimming with imported specialty items and organic goods. “Then we have a year-round farmer’s market, every Sunday on 34th Avenue,” says Azam.
About 10 minutes from numerous subway lines
Roughly a 10-minute walk to Dunolly Gardens is the joint subway station serviced by the 7 train at 74th St.-Broadway and the E, F, M and R trains at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av., with a free transfer offered between the two. From there, access to nearby LaGuardia airport takes about 10 minutes (depending on traffic) thanks to the LaGuardia Link bus, while Grand Central can be reached in 20 minutes on the 7 train. Other bus routes that stop by the building include the Q32, which goes into Midtown Manhattan via Long Island City, and the Q47, which ends in Glendale, at the Shops at Atlas Park retail complex. For those who prefer biking, a pair of Citi Bike docks are located two blocks away.
Collateral AnalyticsCollateral Analytics
Collateral Analytics AVMs (Automated Valuation Model) employ a number of statistical approaches combined with neighborhood-specific comparable selection guarantees the most up-to-date and precise valuations.
Black Knight®Black Knight
Black Knight’s AVM (Automated Valuation Model) is a state-of-the-art online residential property valuation tool that provides a quick and accurate estimate of the value of almost any home in the U.S.
First AmericanFirst American
First American Data & Analytics’ next-generation AVM combines unrivaled data assets with a blended ensemble of valuation models to produce highly accurate, reliable valuations you can trust.
Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
82/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
95/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Travers Park
2 min walk
Basketball
Dog Park
Playground
Frank D. O' Conner Playground
12 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Edward Hart Playground
13 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Playground Ninety
15 min walk
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Moore Homestead Playground
3 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Northern Playground
3 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Events
St. Michael's Playground
3 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Soccer
LaGuardia Landing Lights Park
4 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Trails
Veteran's Grove Playground
4 min drive
Playground
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
