Queens Skyscraper The Orchard Reaches 90 Percent Occupancy

The 70-story residential tower in Long Island City has filled nearly all of its 824 rental apartments after 10 months.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Apartments

Isometric editorial illustration of a tall residential tower rising above a dense city grid, reflecting high-density housing growth. — The Orchard residential tower in Long Island City has achieved 90 percent occupancy just 10 months after opening, signaling strong demand. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe large luxury high-rise projects are improving your neighborhood?

The Orchard, the tallest building in Queens, has reached 90 percent occupancy following a 10-month marketing campaign. The 823-foot tower consists of 576 market-rate and 248 affordable residences.

Why it matters

The high occupancy rate highlights the significant demand for residential space in Long Island City. The project combines massive scale with a mix of unit types to address local housing needs.

The Orchard stands 70 stories tall at 823 feet and offers 100,000 square feet of amenities, including a 60,000 square-foot landscaped recreation area. Nearly 7,500 square feet of retail space has been leased to Tokimo, Mollytea, and Intuit.

The players

The Orchard

This is a 70-story residential tower located in Long Island City that currently stands as the tallest building in Queens.

Tokimo

This is one of the three retail tenants that has signed a lease for space within the building.

Mollytea

This is one of the retail brands that secured space in the new residential development.

Intuit

This organization is among the first commercial tenants to commit to the retail space at the development.

The details

Construction on the tower concluded in 2025, with tenants beginning to move into the building in 2026. The property supports the local community by providing a large-scale housing solution that incorporates diverse affordability options.

Construction of the building finished in 2025.
Apartment tenants began moving into the building in 2026.
The building is expected to open by early 2027.

Culture Shift

The Orchard follows the pattern set by the ongoing expansion of the Long Island City skyline by cementing its status as the tallest building in the borough. This development reflects the broader trend of urban densification aimed at accommodating a growing population in New York City.

Residents of Long Island City may see increased foot traffic and activity as retail tenants like Tokimo and Mollytea begin operations. The influx of new neighbors at The Orchard also contributes to the rising demand for local commercial and social services in the area.

The takeaway

The rapid lease-up of this Queens tower indicates a strong preference for amenity-rich high-rise living in outer boroughs. Prospective renters should monitor new developments in Long Island City as they often provide a mix of affordable and market-rate opportunities.