The New York Architectural Terra-Cotta Company Building. Photo by Allison Kridle
May 2, 2025 By Queens Post News Team
In a city full of iconic landmarks and go-to favorites, some of the most memorable experiences can be found in the unexpected corners of our neighborhoods. Western Queens—rich in history, culture, and community—is home to several hidden gems that blend past and present in truly unique ways. From a terra-cotta relic under a bridge to a quirky gnome bench, these lesser-known spots invite exploration and a fresh look at local history.
New York Architectural Terra-Cotta Company Building
📍 42-16 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City
Built in 1892—the same year Ellis Island opened—this striking terra-cotta structure once served as the headquarters for the New York Architectural Terra-Cotta Company. Nestled beneath the Queensboro Bridge, it remains a standout for architecture buffs and history lovers. The building acted as a full-scale model for the company’s clients and was once surrounded by factory buildings, now long gone. Though it stood vacant for years, the building earned official landmark status in 1982 and still stands as a tribute to Long Island City’s industrial legacy.
The Steinway Mansion in Astoria. Photo by Allison Kridle
Steinway Mansion
📍 18-33 41st St., Astoria
Perched quietly on a hill above the East River and surrounded by warehouses, the 1858 Steinway Mansion is an architectural marvel built by optician Benjamin Pike Jr. and later purchased by William Steinway of Steinway & Sons. Designed in the Italian villa style with granite blocks and cast iron detailing, the mansion served as the Steinway family’s summer retreat. Though not open to the public, the mansion’s dramatic exterior and rich history make it a worthy detour on any local stroll.
The Gnome Bench
📍 10-50 47th Rd., Long Island City
Eccentric and endearing, the Gnome Bench is a whimsical piece of public art tucked into a quiet LIC street. Homeowner Chris Carlson inherited a collection of garden gnomes when he bought the property and decided to turn the area into a communal resting spot. A painted quote by poet Charles Bukowski—“You are marvelous. The gods await to delight you”—adds a poetic flair to this blue bench surrounded by mystical creatures. Locals say it’s especially festive around Halloween.
The Rudar Club. Photo by Allison Kridle
Rudar Club (United Miners Soccer Club)
📍 34-01 45th St., Astoria
Founded in 1977 by Croatian immigrants from Labin, the Rudar Club may look exclusive from the outside, but it’s a welcoming spot to enjoy authentic Croatian-Istrian cuisine in a cozy basement setting. Originally a private club for soccer lovers, the space is now open to the public, serving specialties like fuzi—a bowtie-shaped pasta with veal sauce—and palacinke, sweet crepes with walnut filling. Grab a seat by the fireplace in colder months and soak up the warm, community atmosphere.
SculptureCenter
📍 44-19 Purves St., Long Island City
Housed in a former trolley repair shop, the SculptureCenter is one of LIC’s most forward-thinking cultural institutions. Originally founded in 1928 as the Clay Club, it relocated to this industrial building in 2001 to accommodate large-scale contemporary art installations. The center consistently showcases bold and boundary-pushing work from emerging and international artists. With rotating exhibitions throughout the year, it’s an ideal space for discovering new creative voices and enjoying a quiet moment away from the city’s hustle.
The historic Lawrence Cemetery in Astoria is one of many hidden gems in Queens. Photo by Allison Kridle
Lawrence Cemetery
📍 35-10 20th Rd., Astoria
Tucked behind an unassuming fence is one of Astoria’s most historic sites. Established in 1656, Lawrence Cemetery is the resting place of Revolutionary War and Civil War veterans, political figures, and generations of the prominent Lawrence family. Privately owned and lovingly maintained by James Sheehan, who inherited it from his father-in-law, the cemetery serves as both a historic landmark and a hidden oasis. Lucky visitors might catch Sheehan offering impromptu tours of the site—an act of neighborly generosity that brings local history to life.
Dutch Kills Green in LIC, off Northern Blvd. Via Google Maps
Dutch Kills Green
📍 Queens Plaza North and Northern Blvd., Long Island City
Formerly a tangled mess of overpasses and parking lots, Dutch Kills Green is now an award-winning urban green space with wetlands, walking paths, native plantings, and public art. It’s a lesser-known example of sustainable urban reclamation in the heart of a bustling transit hub.
These under-the-radar spots offer more than just photo ops—they’re living pieces of Queens history. Whether you’re wandering Vernon Boulevard or exploring the quiet corners of Astoria, you’re never far from a place with a story worth hearing.
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