Queens court to become affordable housing

The former home of the Queens family court at 89-14 Parsons Boulevard in Jamaica is in the process of receiving a $194 million renovation, which will transform the library-turned-courthouse into 346 units of affordable housing and retail space. Drew Spitler, vice president of development group Dermot, which is overseeing the project, said that his company will preserve the building’s original facade, while creating a space that uses 14 percent less energy. The hope is that the building will not only provide housing to low- and middle-income families, but will also create construction jobs in the neighborhood. “We’re hoping it’s a catalyst for further development,” Spitler said. The first round of lotteries for the space will begin this fall.