The former Eagle Theatre at 37-11 30th Ave in Astoria will open as a 120-unit co-living building operated by Common later this month. The new project marks a major reuse of one of Queens’ last standalone movie houses.

Common, the Brooklyn-based co-living operator, is nearly done with its overhaul of the Eagle Theatre site at 37-11 30th Ave, which closed as a cinema in 2009. This project represents one of Astoria’s most ambitious adaptive reuse efforts in recent years, converting the defunct 1920s theater into shared housing for up to 200 residents. The move comes as demand for flexible, amenity-rich rentals continues to spike across Western Queens.

Common’s Astoria project is their first major Queens location, according to CEO Karlene Hollis, who gave NYC Pulse a tour on Tuesday. The property features fully furnished private bedrooms with weekly cleaning, high-speed WiFi, and several communal kitchens and lounges. “We wanted to respect the Eagle’s history,” Hollis said, pointing to the restored terrazzo lobby floors and vintage light fixtures salvaged from the old auditorium.

Monthly rents at Common Eagle Astoria start at $1,450 for a furnished room, inclusive of utilities and cleaning. Hollis noted that over half the initial leases were snapped up during May’s pre-leasing period, with new tenants arriving as soon as June 28. The developer has reserved 12 units for local artists at below-market rates, part of a deal brokered with Community Board 1 and the Astoria Arts Collective.

Neighbors have mixed reactions to the transformation. Nick Papadopoulos, who owns Nick’s Pizza next door, said, “I miss the movie crowd, but the new residents will be good for business.” Local historian Carmen Llosa praised the project for preserving the building’s façade, calling it “a rare win for Astoria’s architectural past.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Common Eagle Astoria officially open to new residents?

Common Eagle Astoria will begin accepting move-ins on June 28, 2024, according to Common CEO Karlene Hollis. Most units are expected to be occupied by mid-July, following a brisk pre-leasing period in May and June.

How much will it cost to live at the new co-living building?

Rents at Common Eagle Astoria start at $1,450 per month for a furnished bedroom. That price includes utilities, cleaning, WiFi, and access to communal kitchens and lounges. Twelve discounted units are reserved for artists.

What historic elements from the Eagle Theatre remain in the building?

The project preserves much of the original theater’s art deco façade and lobby terrazzo flooring. Vintage lighting and some auditorium details have been restored and integrated into the new amenity spaces throughout the building.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new co-living building at the former Eagle Theatre in Astoria open?

Move-ins at Common Eagle Astoria begin on June 28, 2024, with most units expected to be occupied by mid-July.

How much is rent at the Common Eagle Astoria co-living complex?

Rents start at $1,450 per month for a furnished bedroom, including utilities, cleaning, WiFi, and access to communal spaces.

Are there any discounted units available at Common Eagle Astoria?

Twelve discounted units are reserved for local artists through an agreement with Community Board 1 and the Astoria Arts Collective.

What historic features from the Eagle Theatre have been preserved in the new building?

The building retains its original art deco façade, terrazzo lobby flooring, and vintage lighting fixtures from the Eagle Theatre.

Who operates the new co-living building at 37-11 30th Ave in Astoria?

The building is operated by Common, a Brooklyn-based co-living company.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.