JACKSON HEIGHTS — The historic Bruson Building, which has been empty since a massive fire ripped through it last spring, is looking for "major" tenants to fill nearly 70,000 square feet of space, according to an owner and its broker.
The four-story building burned in an April fire, and dozens of its commercial tenants were left without a home.
Many moved to nearby spaces, including Frank's Pharmacy, which reopened a few blocks away on 37th Avenue; and Armondo's Restaurant, which announced in November plans to take over Trieste Restaurant on Northern Boulevard in the new year.
Now the owners — who said they are still open to having previous tenants return — are hoping to fill that space on 37th Avenue with large chains, from restaurants to banks, according to Craig Bruno, an owner.
The building is looking for "Popeyes, McDonald's, Burger King, something like that," he said. He's also open to a large bank.
Broker Mark Gallucci from Sabre Realty said they've already received some interest, noting that it's uncommon to have so much available space in Jackson Heights.
"It's a really rare opportunity to have that kind of space, to have a space that big to work with is tough because of how little inventory it is," he said. "It's definitely a unique opportunity."
Upper floors will be completely renovated and modernized, Bruno said, and would be ideal for accountants, attorneys or medical facilities.
He said the former space was like a "rat maze" but the revamped building will be completely upgraded.
"It'll be much more modern with a nice hallway," he said.
Construction began in August, starting with debris removal. Bruno expects the building to be completely finished in a year.
"We have two, three more weeks of getting all the debris out, and once we get the permits we can start [construction]."
