Paragon LIC Ends Decade-Long Wait for New Waterfront Condos

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY – May 27, 2026 – The Long Island City waterfront, a coveted stretch of real estate with panoramic Manhattan views, has seen a flurry of development over the past decade, but a key piece of the market has been conspicuously absent. Today, that changes with the official unveiling of Paragon LIC, the first for-sale high-rise condominium to be built directly on the LIC waterfront in over ten years. Developed by ZD Jasper and designed by the acclaimed architecture firm Archimaera, the tower at 45-40 Vernon Boulevard is poised to satisfy years of pent-up demand for premier, owner-occupied residences in one of New York City’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

With sales and marketing led by SERHANT. New Development, the 182-unit building offers a range of residences from studios to four-bedrooms, all promising sweeping city views and a level of finish previously unseen in the area's for-sale market. Occupancy is slated for Fall 2026, marking a new chapter for luxury living in Queens.

A Market Ten Years in the Making

The significance of Paragon’s arrival cannot be overstated. While Long Island City has transformed into a bustling residential hub, the majority of new construction has catered to the rental market. This has left a void for discerning buyers, particularly existing LIC residents looking to invest in a home with premium finishes and amenities without leaving the neighborhood they love.

“Paragon sets a new standard in Long Island City. It’s actually wild how desperately a condo of this caliber was needed in this location,” says Ryan Serhant, Founder and CEO of SERHANT. “We’re working through a backlist of locals who would never leave LIC and are eager to level up. The market has been waiting over ten years for this tower and we anticipate a rapid sellout.”

Market analysis supports this sentiment. While the broader condo market has seen fluctuations, new developments with unique value propositions—especially those offering waterfront access, superior design, and extensive amenities—consistently command premium pricing and attract significant buyer interest. Paragon LIC enters this landscape not just as another option, but as a long-awaited answer to a specific, unmet demand.

From Factory Floor to Penthouse Views

Paragon’s design thoughtfully bridges the neighborhood’s industrial past with its luxurious present. The project’s name is a direct nod to the Paragon Paint Factory, the remnants of which are integrated into the building’s base, grounding the modern structure in local history. Architecturally, Archimaera has crafted a visually striking facade defined by a staggered motif of double-height balcony “boxes.” These copper-toned projecting frames are a clever reference to both the area's industrial heritage and the sleek glass towers that have come to define the modern skyline.

Inside, the interiors by MAWD | March and White Design eschew sterile modernism for a warmer, more tactile experience reminiscent of a boutique hotel. “MAWD’s approach to the interior design of Paragon LIC focuses on how each residence is actually lived in,” notes Elliot March, Co-Founder of March & White. “This involves clear planning, strong spatial logic, and consistent material language across kitchens, living spaces, and bathrooms.”

The commitment to quality is evident in the details. Residences feature ceilings soaring up to 10 feet, 5-inch wide-plank oak flooring, and floor-to-ceiling triple-paned windows that flood the spaces with light while providing superior sound and thermal insulation. Kitchens are appointed with Natural Marble Stone, using Estremoz Calacatta in standard residences and a dramatic Breccia Capraia in the Penthouses. An integrated Bosch appliance suite is standard, while Penthouses are upgraded with ultra-premium Gaggenau packages. Primary bathrooms are equally lavish, with porcelain slab tile, custom mirrored medicine cabinets, and, in most residences, the sophisticated TOTO Neorest automatic toilet.

Raising the Bar on Urban Living

In New York’s competitive real estate market, amenities can make or break a new development. Paragon LIC rises to the challenge with a comprehensive suite of lifestyle offerings that cater to nearly every imaginable need, setting a new benchmark for the neighborhood. The building moves beyond the standard gym and lounge to offer a curated living experience.

Highlighting this is a rare outdoor pickleball court, tapping into the nation's fastest-growing sport. Fitness enthusiasts will also find a state-of-the-art fitness center, while a golf simulator and karaoke room provide unique venues for entertainment and socializing. The amenities extend to the top of the tower, where a landscaped roof terrace features BBQ grills for al fresco dining. Adjacent to it, a Sky Lounge with indoor and outdoor seating sits beneath a functional solar canopy, blending sustainable technology with breathtaking views.

These features are complemented by practical conveniences designed for modern urban life, including a 24-hour attended lobby, a LATCH keyless entry system, NEST learning thermostats, a package room with cold storage, an Amazon Hub, and ample bicycle storage. For developer ZD Jasper, the vision was clear from the project's inception. “Paragon is located on an incredible waterfront side adjacent to the Anable Basin and the property’s outsized potential was clear from the start,” said Jasper Wu, Vice President of ZD Jasper. “We’ve painstakingly designed an exceptional residential experience with our talented partners.”

Shaping the New Waterfront

Beyond its private residences and amenities, Paragon LIC is making a significant contribution to the public realm. The project includes a large public access component, featuring a new waterfront park and walkway. This green space will connect the neighborhood directly to the East River, enhancing public access to the waterfront for all residents of Long Island City and fulfilling a key goal of the area's ongoing urban planning efforts.

This integration of public and private space reflects a sophisticated approach to development, one that acknowledges a building’s role within the broader community. As the first new for-sale waterfront tower in over a decade, Paragon LIC is not just adding luxury units to the market; it is actively shaping the character and accessibility of the evolving shoreline. As the first residents prepare for a Fall 2026 occupancy, Paragon LIC stands not just as a new building, but as a definitive statement on the future of luxury living along the Queens waterfront.