Long Island City is a forest of glass towers now. It’s all shiny, blue, and honestly, a little bit sterile. But if you stand on the corner of Thomson Avenue and look up, you see something that looks like it belongs in a different century—mostly because it does. We are talking about the Arris Lofts, better known to the post office and the tax man as 27-28 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101.
It’s huge. It’s heavy. It’s got that industrial grit that people pay millions for nowadays.
Back in the day, this wasn't a place for yoga studios or rooftop pools. This was the Eagle Electric Manufacturing factory. Think grease, gears, and the heavy thrum of machinery. Today, it’s one of the most coveted addresses in Queens. But living in a former factory isn't exactly the same as living in a new-build condo. There are quirks. There are massive pillars. There are ceilings so high you basically need a drone to change a lightbulb.
The Rebirth of 27-28 Thomson Avenue
Architect Costas Kondylis is a name you’ll hear a lot if you hang around New York real estate circles. He was the guy who took this massive, block-long industrial beast and turned it into luxury lofts around 2006. Transforming a factory into a home is a nightmare of engineering. You have these incredibly deep floor plates, which means the middle of the building is naturally dark. Kondylis solved this at 27-28 Thomson Avenue by carving out an interior courtyard. It’s like a secret garden in the middle of a concrete fortress.
People often get confused about the location. Is it Court Square? Is it Hunters Point? It's kind of in that sweet spot where everything overlaps. You’ve got the E, M, G, and 7 trains all basically a stone's throw away. If you work in Midtown, you’re home in ten minutes. That’s the real reason this building stays full.
📖 Related: Is there actually a legal age to stay home alone? What parents need to know
But it’s the scale that hits you first. Most NYC apartments feel like shoe boxes. Here, the ceilings regularly hit 14 feet. Some of the windows are so big they feel less like apertures and more like glass walls. It’s airy. It’s loud in terms of visual impact, but surprisingly quiet inside because the walls are thick enough to survive an apocalypse.
What Living in a Landmark Really Feels Like
You have to appreciate the "loft" life to like it here. If you want perfectly square rooms and standard drywall, go to a new development on the waterfront. At 27-28 Thomson Avenue, you’re dealing with massive concrete columns. Sometimes they’re right in the middle of your living room. You just learn to decorate around them.
The amenities are surprisingly "un-factory-like." There’s a fitness center that’s actually bigger than most commercial gyms. We’re talking 8,000 square feet. There’s a lap pool, a sauna, and a rooftop that gives you a view of the Manhattan skyline that makes you feel like you own the city. It’s a weird contrast—living in a place that used to produce electrical switches, now lounging by a pool that looks like a high-end spa.
The neighborhood has changed around it, too. When the Arris Lofts first opened, there wasn't much there. Now? You’ve got Murray’s Cheese Bar right nearby. You’ve got the SculptureCenter. It’s become a legitimate cultural hub, not just a place where people sleep because they can't afford Manhattan.
👉 See also: The Long Haired Russian Cat Explained: Why the Siberian is Basically a Living Legend
Realities of the LIC Real Estate Market
Let’s be real for a second. The price of entry at 27-28 Thomson Avenue isn't exactly "starving artist" level anymore. Studio apartments can easily clear $800,000, and the multi-bedroom units go for several million. Maintenance fees are a thing, too. You’re paying for a lot of staff—doormen, porters, the works.
One thing that surprises people is the tax situation. Long Island City had various tax abatements for years (like the 421-a), which made these buildings incredibly attractive to investors. As those abatements phase out, the monthly costs go up. It’s something any serious buyer looks at first. You don't want to buy a dream loft and then realize your tax bill is basically a second mortgage.
The Design Language
The interiors at Arris Lofts lean heavily into the industrial aesthetic. We're talking wide-plank wood floors and stainless steel kitchens. The bathrooms often feature wet rooms, which was a very "forward" design choice back in the mid-2000s.
- Ceiling Height: Usually between 14 to 16 feet.
- The Windows: Massive casement-style windows that let in a ton of light, provided you aren't on the lower interior floors facing the courtyard.
- The Courtyard: An oasis with a reflecting pool. It sounds pretentious, but when the 7 train is screeching outside, that quiet inner space is a lifesaver.
Navigating the Neighborhood
Living at 27-28 Thomson Avenue means you are part of the LIC "Old Guard" now. You’re right by the CUNY School of Law and LaGuardia Community College. It gives the area a bit of an academic, busy vibe during the day.
✨ Don't miss: Why Every Mom and Daughter Photo You Take Actually Matters
Food-wise, you’re spoiled. You can hit up Adda Indian Canteen for some of the best food in the city, or just grab a coffee at Sweetleaf. The walkability score is basically off the charts. You don't need a car. You barely even need a bike, though the building has storage for them if you do.
There is a certain pride in living in a building with history. When you tell people you live in the "old Eagle Electric building," it carries a different weight than just giving a street address. It’s a piece of the borough’s industrial DNA that didn't get torn down for another glass box.
Practical Insights for Potential Residents
If you’re looking at a unit here, check the exposures. The South-facing units get incredible light but can get hot because of those massive windows. The units facing the internal courtyard are way quieter but obviously don't have that "Manhattan view" everyone craves.
Also, check the plumbing history. Old buildings—even renovated ones—can have quirks. The Arris Lofts is generally well-maintained, but it’s a big ship to steer. The board is known for being organized, which is a blessing in a building of this size.
- Check the Abatement: Ask exactly how many years are left on any tax benefits.
- Measure the Pillars: Don't just look at the square footage. A 1,200-square-foot loft with three massive concrete columns feels different than a "clean" space.
- Visit at Rush Hour: Thomson Avenue is a major artery. You want to know exactly what the street noise sounds like before you sign a contract.
- Explore the Roof: Seriously. If you’re going to pay these prices, the common space needs to be something you actually use.
Long Island City is only going to get denser. More towers are coming. But 27-28 Thomson Avenue is a bit of a fixed point. It’s too big to ignore and too iconic to change much. It represents that brief moment when the city realized it could save its industrial past by making it incredibly fancy. It worked. It’s not just an address; it’s basically a landmark you can sleep in.