Queens Chamber Celebrates 100th Building Awards Gala
The gala honored architects and builders behind major developments throughout the New York City borough.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Awards
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The Queens Chamber of Commerce held its 100th Building Awards Gala to celebrate professional excellence in the local real estate industry. The event recognized various regional projects constructed over the past decade.
Why it matters
This milestone event highlights the evolution of Queens architecture and the influential leaders who shape the borough's ongoing physical development.
The gala marked the 100th anniversary of the building awards program. Recognized projects included the Hillside Tower, Vernon Central, the Roma Condominium, the St. Vincent Health Sciences Center, and John F. Kennedy Airport Terminal 5.
The players
Tom Grech
He serves as the President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
Donovan Richards
He holds the office of Queens Borough President.
Ahmed Tigani
He served as the keynote speaker for the 100th Building Awards Gala.
The details
Architects and builders gathered for networking sessions that honored projects completed in Queens decade by decade. Keynote speaker Ahmed Tigani joined local leadership to celebrate the architectural growth and revitalization of the area.
Timeline
The Queens Chamber of Commerce hosted its 100th gala on October 16, 2026.
Culture Shift
The awards program mirrors the AIA New York Design Awards by honoring excellence in regional architecture through a long-standing institutional framework. This event follows a pattern set by other major architectural organizations in New York City by celebrating specific industry benchmarks.
The recognition of projects like the Hillside Tower and Vernon Central highlights the neighborhoods currently undergoing significant commercial and residential upgrades. Residents may notice increased investment and architectural consistency in these specific parts of the borough.
The takeaway
The gala serves as a testament to the century-long effort to improve urban infrastructure in New York City. Industry observers should monitor these award-winning sites as indicators of future neighborhood development trends.
Further reading
Discover more about local recognition programs on the New York City Awards page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by QNS.
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