3. Eagle Electric Factory

The former Eagle Electric factory on Queens Plaza south currently faces an uncertain future. For decades, Eagle Electric was one of the premiere producers of light switches, electrical sockets, fuses and extension cords. Eagle had several factories in Long Island City and Astoria. Despite a commitment to stay in the area, Eagle was eventually bought by another company which relocated the production lines – bringing an end to 80 years of this company being one of L.I.C’s largest blue collar employers.

Previously slated for demolition, this factory may have a future as retail space, which the neighborhood is sorely lacking. The Queens Plaza and the Court Square area may be the one neighborhood in New York City that lacks a chain drug store (attention Duane Reade, CVS). A building this size, with open floor space, could also be appealing to larger chain retail, like Target.