Originally built as a piano factory for Steinway & Sons, this monumental Victorian warehouse is now called Pistilli Grand Manor and features 201 condo residences equipped with door-sized windows that help usher in natural light. Constructed in 1910, the palatial building underwent a total transformation a century later at the hands of Pistilli Realty Group, which hired New York architect Gerald J. Caliendo to bring modern conveniences and livability to the long-abandoned site, located in Astoria’s leafy Steinway-Ditmars enclave. During the overhaul, the six-story structure’s original brick exterior was turned Neoclassical, with rows of engaged columns, faux limestone blocks and cornices added, while the masonry was covered and painted in alternating bands of beige and burgundy. The architect also installed a postmodern glass canopy and four-story curtain wall to create a striking entrance on Ditmars Boulevard that leads to a spacious lobby attended by a 24-hour doorman.
Split into two wings, the H-shaped building contains a mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences. “The loft-like apartments feature sun-drenched interiors, boast high ceilings, and many contain walk-in closets,” says Peter Horowitz, owner of Horowitz Real Estate, who recently rented out a one-bedroom at the property. During the conversion in 2008, the New York Times reported that, “The building has garnered online criticism for its relatively low-end fixtures.” The assessment was met with a response from Joseph Pistilli, the developer: “We used a moderate kitchen and appliances,” he told the paper at the time, adding that people can upgrade to their own taste and that prices were negotiable. Today, studios are seldom available, with the most recent one on the market in 2012 for $263,500. One-bedrooms range from $535,000 to $635,000, and two-bedrooms cost around $959,000. Many homeowners heeded Pistelli’s advice and have undertaken renovations of their own, such as a one-bedroom listed at $590,000 that comes with wide-plank floors, Caesarstone countertops, a subway-tiled bathroom and sink fittings by Kohler.
“Pistilli Grand Manor offers more amenities than most condos in the area and includes three large on-site parking lots, a private fitness room and laundry on each floor,” says Horowitz. “Owners and renters alike love that they have a 24-hour doorman to assist them at all times.” Occupying a light-filled room with vaulted ceilings, the building’s gym is equipped with a row of cardio machines, weight training stations and free weights as well as benches and a dip bar. A live-in super ensures apartments and common spaces are well maintained, and the development also allows pets subject to board approval.
Despite its setting in a low-density residential enclave, the condo is within walking distance of numerous places to eat, drink and shop. Directly across the street is a retail complex anchored by Berry Fresh Farm, a large grocery store stocked with an array of fresh meat and produce along with packaged goods and prepared food. A block in the other direction is Ditmars Blvd Supermarket, which was renovated in 2018 but has a smaller selection of items. For restaurants, local favorites include Loukoumi Taverna directly across the street. The Greek spot serves traditional grilled meats and seafood in a charming interior featuring beamed ceilings and stone walls. A variety of other cuisines — among them Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Colombian and French — are available elsewhere in the neighborhood, with a cluster of popular restaurants along Ditmars Boulevard closer to the main hub of 31st Street. Practical conveniences, such as a Walgreens, UPS Store and laundromat, are located within one block of the building.
There are also several professional tenants at Pistilli Grand Manor, such as lawyers and accountants who have office suites, as well as Reflexion Dance + Fitness, a studio that offers classes primarily for kids. For recreation, the building is not especially close to any large parks, although there’s a small green space, Ditmars Playground, a 5-minute walk away. A major attraction in the area is Astoria Park, which encompasses some 60 acres on the edge of the East River and includes a skatepark, lawns, a running track and numerous sports courts, plus a recreation center with an enormous outdoor pool. It takes about 25 minutes to walk there from Pistilli Grand Manor, or 10 minutes on the bus.
Pistilli Grand Manor is a 15-minute walk to the nearest subway station, Astoria-Ditmars Blvd., which is a terminus for the N and W trains, both of which travel into Manhattan via Long Island City. The N train goes deep into Brooklyn, ultimately ending in Coney Island, while the W finishes its route in Battery Park. For those who don’t want to walk to the station, the Q69 bus stops right in front of the building on Ditmars Boulevard and gets there in about 5 minutes before traveling toward Long Island City, which is a hub for additional trains including the E, F, G, M, R and 7. At the other end, the Q69 bus goes to Astoria Boulevard/82nd Street, just south of LaGuardia Airport. The airport can be reached in as little as 5 minutes in a car. Another bus line, the Q101, stops a 5-minute walk from the building on Steinway Street and takes riders into Manhattan, to 2nd Avenue and 60th Street. There’s also a Citi Bike dock a block away.
Pistilli Grand Manor is a condominium located in Queens and the 11105 ZIP Code. This area is served by the Queens County attendance zone.
