City Planning Commission Approved The Frances Development
The 21-story project in Forest Hills will bring 390 rental units to Queens Boulevard.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Commercial
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The New York City Planning Commission has approved construction plans for The Frances, a 21-story residential development located at 100-12 Queens Blvd in Forest Hills. The project spans nearly 280,000 square feet and aims to add 390 rental units to the neighborhood.
Why it matters
The development marks a significant shift for the site, which is currently occupied by ten commercial storefronts. The proposal includes a designated portion of affordable housing units to address local demand.
The Frances is designed to encompass 280,000 square feet, including 16,200 square feet of retail space. The current plan offers 390 rental units, while a rejected project could trigger an as-of-right build featuring a 109-vehicle parking garage.
The players
Benenson Capital Partners
This real estate investment and development firm has held ownership of the Forest Hills property since 2001.
City Planning Commission
This agency oversees land use and development projects across New York City.
Fogarty Finger
This architecture and interior design firm served as the primary architect for the proposed building design.
Queens Community Board 6
This local government body represents the residents of the area and has coordinated the tenant relocation strategy.
New York City Council
This legislative body serves as the city government's lawmaking arm and will determine the project's final approval.
The details
Designed by Fogarty Finger, the building will replace current commercial structures near the 67th Avenue subway station. Queens Community Board 6 has already established a Land Use Committee to oversee the relocation process for current commercial tenants, who will receive priority for occupying the new storefronts.
Timeline
Benenson Capital Partners acquired the property in 2001.
Queens Community Board 6 approved the Land Use Committee in June 2026.
The New York City Council is scheduled to hold a final legislative vote within the next 50 days.
Culture Shift
The Frances project reflects a broader trend toward high-density residential development near transit hubs in outer-borough neighborhoods. This approach signals a move away from low-rise commercial configurations in favor of maximizing land use to accommodate urban housing needs.
Current commercial tenants at the site will receive priority access to occupy the new retail space upon completion. Residents of Forest Hills can expect transition support from the Land Use Committee as the site moves through the approval process.
The takeaway
The approval process for The Frances underscores the importance of community board engagement in managing commercial tenant displacement. Readers should note that large-scale development projects often involve dual-track planning, where as-of-right alternatives serve as a secondary fallback.
What happens next
The New York City Council is expected to conduct a final legislative vote on the project within the next 50 days.
Further reading
For more on the changing skyline and retail developments, read about New York City Commercial.
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