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Queens Boulevard: Queens
The iconic thoroughfare of the borough of Queens is the aptly named Queens Boulevard. From its origins in Jamaica Center to its terminus at the foot of the Queensboro Bridge, and with an entire subway line running beneath it, Queens Boulevard is a major artery of travel and commerce.
Follow the journey along the avenue from west to east through the neighborhoods of : Jamaica Center, Briarwood, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Elmhurst, Maspeth, Woodside, Sunnyside, and Long Island City.
Queens Boulevard Slideshow:
The Boulevard
Queens Boulevard, a major road sometimes containing as many as 10 lanes, runs in a rough northwest-to-southeast diagonal and it connects to major hubs of transit and commerce in the borough of Queens. Beginning at the edge of Jamaica Center, it quickly becomes a place to do business. Eat, shop, build, or even go to court. Queens Boulevard is integral to the borough (and the city) as its airports, its major sports stadiums.
Its beginnings in Jamaica Center actually seem rather humble. It’s a simple, two-lane road starting from a building aptly named: Queens House. From there, it’s a short trek to its next neighborhood where it begins to take on its iconic characteristics.
Briarwood - a sleepy, hilly, residential enclave would seem to be an unlikely place for the Boulevard to spread its wings. But from hotels to auto shops to delis and food markets, the commerce of Queens Boulevard kicks into gear in this neighborhood. It is also here that the center island, separating the directions of travel begins. To commemorate this, there is a park called, appropriately: Queens Gate. Briarwood is where you can grab your first stop on the subway, via the E & F lines.
Kew Gardens is the next neighborhood on this list and it contains two of the Boulevard’s most unique sections. First is its passage through Maple Grove Cemetery, which offers a pastoral respite from the commerce and traffic. Kew Gardens is also home to the Queens County Criminal Court and Borough Hall. This section of the Boulevard is notable not just for its government buildings, but also the businesses that support them.
Forest Hills is where Queens Boulevard truly picks up steam. Flanked by high-rise condominiums and office buildings, as well as an endless array of plazas filled with delis, restaurants, bars, taverns, healthcare - you name it. Here, the E & F lines are joined by the R & M - giving you even more transit options through Queens to Brooklyn and Manhattan. This continues straight through Rego Park which contains the landmark LeFrak City Apartment complex.
Elmhurst, at the intersection with Woodhaven Boulevard and Long Island Expressway, commerce gets a boost from not one, but two malls: Queens Center and Queens Place. Here you will find nearly all of your retail needs in a tightly packed area. Additionally, this is where the E, F, M, & R subway lines diverge from the Boulevard (at Grand Avenue - Broadway).
From here, Queens Boulevard becomes a bit more industrial as it borders Maspeth to the south and Woodside to the north. Here you will find views of the Manhattan skyline as well as more autoshops and metalworks before the Boulevard plunges into the next phase of its existence.
Sunnyside sees a distinct change as the Boulevard straddles the now elevated 7 subway line. This provides a distinct, and iconic, visual separation between the north and south sides of the Boulevard. But this doesn’t slow the commerce - or the density of people and traffic. Throw in a bit of industry to the north - and the looming Manhattan skyline to the west - and Sunnyside becomes a distinct segment of the Boulevard.
Long Island City signals the terminus of Queens Boulevard amidst what can be best described as a riot of metal subway supports, soaring new modern glass towers, and an endless cacophony of horns and engines as vehicles via for access to - and liberation from - the Ed Koch-Queensboro Bridge.
Queens Boulevard is a major thoroughfare that runs through the borough of Queens in New York City. Often referred to as the "Boulevard of Death" due to its historically high rate of traffic accidents, Queens Boulevard has undergone significant changes to improve safety and accessibility. The boulevard cuts through diverse neighborhoods such as Long Island City, Woodside, Elmhurst, and Rego Park, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of Queens. Along Queens Boulevard, one can find a variety of landmarks and attractions. In Long Island City, the iconic Queensboro Bridge stands as a testament to the area's industrial past and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Moving east, the boulevard passes through Woodside, known for its vibrant Irish community and lively pubs. Elmhurst offers a range of ethnic cuisines, reflecting the neighborhood's diverse population. Further along, Rego Park boasts the expansive Queens Center Mall, a shopper's paradise featuring an extensive selection of stores and dining options. Queens Boulevard serves as a vital transportation route, connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural institutions throughout Queens. Its transformation over the years reflects the ongoing efforts to make it a safer and more vibrant corridor for both pedestrians and motorists, while maintaining its importance as a hub of commerce and community in Queens.
Queens Boulevard, in Queens, New York, acquired its name from the borough it traverses. The boulevard's name is a tribute to the historical significance of Queens, which was named after Queen Catherine of Braganza, the wife of King Charles II of England. The name "Queens Boulevard" serves as an emblem of the borough's royal connection and its identity as an integral part of New York City. Originally established as an essential thoroughfare to accommodate the growth and development of Queens, the boulevard has evolved into a bustling corridor that reflects the vibrant culture and diversity of the surrounding communities. Queens Boulevard is not only a key transportation route but also a symbol of pride and unity, representing the rich history and ongoing progress of the borough it proudly traverses.
Queens Boulevard in Queens, New York, has a rich history that reflects the growth and development of the borough. Originally known as Hoffman Boulevard, it was renamed Queens Boulevard in 1916 to align with the borough's name. In the early 20th century, Queens Boulevard underwent significant expansion and urbanization, transforming from a rural road into a major thoroughfare. The construction of the IND Queens Boulevard Line, part of the New York City Subway system, in the 1920s further contributed to the boulevard's importance as a transportation hub. Over the years, Queens Boulevard evolved into a bustling commercial and residential corridor, with the construction of iconic landmarks such as the Queensboro Bridge and the Queens Center Mall. The boulevard became known for its wide lanes and expansive medians, but unfortunately also gained notoriety for its high accident rate, earning the nickname "Boulevard of Death." In recent years, significant efforts have been made to improve safety and accessibility, including the implementation of pedestrian safety measures and the redesign of intersections. Today, Queens Boulevard continues to serve as a vital artery, connecting neighborhoods and reflecting the diverse and dynamic spirit of Queens.
Queens Boulevard in Queens, New York, is dotted with major landmarks and attractions that contribute to the vibrant character of the borough. One iconic landmark is the Queensboro Bridge, also known as the 59th Street Bridge, which spans the East River and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Moving along the boulevard, one encounters the historic Forest Hills Stadium, a renowned outdoor concert venue that has hosted numerous legendary performers. The Queens Museum, located near the intersection of Queens Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway, houses a diverse collection of art and is famous for its Panorama of the City of New York, a large-scale model of the city. Another significant attraction is the Queens Center Mall, a sprawling shopping complex that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. As Queens Boulevard stretches through diverse neighborhoods, it also showcases an array of local shops, eateries, and cultural institutions that highlight the multicultural fabric of the borough. From architectural marvels to cultural landmarks and shopping destinations, Queens Boulevard offers a plethora of attractions that captivate residents and visitors alike.
Neighborhoods visited on Queens Boulevard:
Queens Boulevard - Portfolio Gallery:
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All photography provided by Samuel Walters