The Barnett

Organization Name: Mega Contracting Group

Project Title: The Barnett

Project Location: 50-25 Barnett Ave, Queens, NY

Project Description:
The Barnett is a newly constructed, seven-story, 181,360-square-foot, 100% affordable housing development located at 50-25 Barnett Avenue in Queens. Developed by Phipps, designed by MHG Architects PC, and built by Mega Contracting Group, the project transforms a former parking lot into a residential community with 185 apartments, a ground-floor daycare facility, community space, and resident amenities. The building is constructed with spread footings, a concrete podium on the first two floors, and a block-and-plank superstructure above. Its brick façade and taller and wider windows maximize natural light and offer views toward the Manhattan skyline. Sustainability measures include rooftop solar panels and greenery, electric domestic hot water heat pumps, through-wall Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems for apartment-level temperature control, and stormwater management infrastructure. All apartments are designed to be adaptable in accordance with HPD requirements, supporting accessibility and long-term flexibility.

Community Impact:
The Barnett’s 185 residential apartments serve households with diverse housing needs, including 20 formerly homeless households through HPD’s Our Space Program, eight through the NYCHA Section 8 program, 64 households earning between 30% and 50% of Area Median Income (AMI), and 92 moderate-income households earning up to 80% of AMI. Eighty-two of the residential units are permanently affordable, distributed proportionally across the various income tiers.
The development integrates housing with resources that support families and strengthen community connections. A daycare facility, fitness center, community room, children’s playroom, and landscaped courtyard provide spaces for learning, recreation, and social interaction. On-site programs include financial literacy, workforce development, education, and other supportive services. By combining affordable housing with family-oriented amenities and services, The Barnett addresses a range of everyday needs while promoting housing stability, well-being and a stronger sense of community in Queens.

Organization Description:
Founded in 1990, Mega Contracting Group is a New York-based full-service General Contractor, Construction Management and Development firm specializing in affordable housing, residential development, and complex rehabilitation projects. Mega partners with developers, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to build and preserve high-quality housing including commercial interiors, and institutional developments. Guided by a commitment to safety, integrity, partnership, quality, efficiency, Mega delivers lasting value to the communities it serves.

Team Members:

Owner & Developer - Phipps
Architect – MHG Architects PC
General Contractor - Mega Contracting Group