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98Units
7Stories
1952Year Built
$383KValue Range
Available Units
For Sale
No Units Available
For Rent
Highlights
Controlled Access
Ps 196 Grand Central Parkway Rated A
Public Transportation
Cats Allowed
Package Room
4 min walk to Willow Lake Playground
A Forest Hills co-op within a 30-minute commute of midtown Manhattan
In the 1930s, NYC Parks Commissioner Robert Moses wanted to convert an ash dump in Queens to a green space worthy of the 1939-40 World’s Fair. He envisioned what is now Flushing Meadows Corona Park as the “Versailles of America,” according to the Parks Department. A few blocks west of the nearly 900-acre, a seven-story co-op takes its name from that vision. Built in 1952, between the park’s first World’s Fair and the second in 1964-65, The Versailles isn’t exactly a copy of the French palace. There’s not a bit of gilt on display. However, it was created for “those who are accustomed to gracious living,” according to its original marketing materials. Designed by architectural firm Morris Rothstein and Son (responsible for dozens of projects throughout New York), the red-brick building is surrounded by landscaped lawns and was meant to be “a perfect complement” to the area. It’s also just blocks from Forest Hills’ main drag, Austin Street, and offers amenities like a door attendant and on-site parking. The financially sound co-op may not be fit for a king, but with units selling under $700,000, it’s a solid option for many New Yorkers.
Spacious layouts with ample closets and foyers
There are 98 units in the co-op, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, although one- and two-bedroom apartments make up the majority. Residences feature hardwood floors, ample closet space and combined living and dining areas. Some kitchens have been renovated to create an open layout, but they originally were galley style with space for a dining nook. Foyers are also common, creating extra storage space or even an additional dining area. Many have outdoor space, and some units on the upper levels have views of the leafy neighborhood.
In the first quarter of 2025, a one-bedroom apartment asking $399,000 was under contract, as was a two-bedroom, one-bathroom listed for $479,000. A renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom on the top floor was on the market for $650,000 (a similarly sized unit sold in late 2024 for the same price).
Parking, a playroom and a part-time doorman
Beyond the co-op’s planted entry and glass doors, there’s a large, mirrored lobby with terrazzo floors and a seating area. It was recently renovated, along with the hallways, and is staffed by a doorman from 8 a.m. to midnight. There’s also a live-in super. There’s also a children’s playroom, a small gym and a laundry room in the elevator building. On-site parking costs $130 per month; there is a short waitlist. Additional storage is available. Cats and dogs up to 30 pounds are permitted.
Between commercial Austin Street and Flushing Meadows Corona Park
The Versailles sits on a block lined with similar brick residential buildings, although most have ground-floor offices. Top-rated Pristine Electrolysis, a hair removal service, occupies one of those spaces here, as do medical professionals. Austin Street, three blocks away, is a shopping and dining destination. Stores include chains like Banana Republic Factory, Sephora and Shake Shack, as well as smaller stores and a variety of restaurants serving ramen, tacos, Korean comfort food or French fare. About an eight-minute walk, MacDonald Park is a pocket park with benches and a spring showing of tulips and flowering trees. Residents can hike around Willow Lake at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park, an eight-minute walk. The northern part of the green space is home to Citi Field, where the Mets play, and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the site of the annual U.S. Open. The Queens Zoo, The National Hall of Science and The Queens Museum are also on park grounds. A Trader Joe’s is on the other side of MacDonald Park, and a Key Food Supermarket and a Foodtown can be found along Austin Street. Forest Hills Stadium, which hosts a summer concert series, is about 15 minutes from the co-op on foot.
Walkable to subways and the Long Island Rail Road
The E, F, M and R trains stop about four blocks away at the Forest Hills-71st Avenue station; the ride to Times Square in less than 30 minutes. There’s also a Long Island Rail Road stop in Forest Hills, about a 10-minute walk. The train takes about 30 minutes to reach Grand Central. Interstate 25 — which provides a straight shot to Manhattan via the Queensboro Bridge or to JFK Airport — runs through the neighborhood and is just two blocks from The Versailles. The Grand Central Parkway is a short drive west and goes through northern Queens into the Bronx and Long Island.
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Available Co-ops
No units matching this criteria are available right now.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
2/ 10
Bikeable
Bike Score®
59/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 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
Willow Lake Playground
4 min walk
Basketball
Playground
MacDonald Park
8 min walk
Multi-Purpose Field
Hawthorne Park Forest Hills
10 min walk
Multi-Purpose Field
Yellowstone Municipal Park
13 min walk
Russell Sage Playground
14 min walk
Plaza 67
3 min drive
Anandale Park
4 min drive
Annadale Playground
4 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Vleigh Playground
4 min drive
Schools
Source:
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