ELMHURST — Plans to build a luxury condo on the lot of a former Wendy's made famous in the movie "Coming to America" have been delayed after the Department of Buildings denied the construction company's permit, citing dozens of objections.
The plans to build a seven-story, mixed-use luxury building on the plot of land between Broadway and Reeder Street were not approved after the DOB found 70 objections that need to be addressed, according to a department spokeswoman.
She said the objections are mostly minor, but include zoning issues and the need for clarification on exit signs and fire ratings.
A secretary at Tan Architects, whose developer, Jerry Pi, also built the luxury building The Elm East across the street from the empty lot — said this week that the company was "still waiting for approval."
But plans were still set for construction to begin on the latest residential complex, called The Elm West, on the busy corner, according to the secretary, Winnie Mok.
The Wendy's on the plot of land between Broadway and Reeder Street was made famous in the 1988 Eddie Murphy film "Coming to America," where it was used as the location for the fictional McDowell's restaurant.
The Elm East across the street began leasing its commercial and residential spaces in January and was full by August, according to a report in Real Deal Magazine. The building includes a doorman and indoor parking, and the apartments feature terraces and large windows with views of Queens and the Manhattan skyline.
One-bedroom apartments start at $1,899 and go up to $2,099. Two-bedroom apartments go for as much as $2,500.
