John Catsimatidis files plans for huge mixed-use development in Coney Island

A long-term, ambitious plan to construct a mixed-use development adjacent to the Coney Island boardwalk seems to be finally moving forward. According to the Brooklyn Daily, developer John Catsimatidis’ Red Apple Group just filed plans to build a 21-story tower on a parcel he bought last summer. Located on Surf Avenue between West 35th and West 36th streets, it’s a good 20 blocks away from the Coney Island Amusement District.

Plans call for a 21-story glassy tower with retail space at the base, a 254-car garage and more than 300 apartments from the third floor up. (It’ll rise to 185 feet—the maximum-allowable height under current zoning—and roughly the height of Deno’s Wonder Wheel.) Catsimatidis has yet to decide if the units will be rentals or condos. He’s got a few ideas for potential retail tenants, though, which could include a supermarket, drug store, restaurant, or even a nightclub. Residents will also have access to a rooftop swimming pool—because as Catsimatidis told Brooklyn Daily, “What good is a building without a heated swimming pool?”

This 21-story tower is part of a more ambitious development proposal that’s rendered above. Since 2005, Catsimatidis has been picking up land between West 35th and West 37th streets for his so-called “Ocean Dreams” project. The hope is to build out 415 apartments across three total towers. If it actually happens, it’ll likely transform that area west of the well-trafficked amusement park. Architect David West, of Hill West Architects, predicts the project will “spur other developments in the area and bring much-needed life, jobs, and economic vitality.”

• Billionaire files plans for long-delayed ‘Ocean Dreams’ development in Coney [Brooklyn Daily]
• What Coney Island's Towers Might Someday Look Like [Curbed]