The structure, part of Phase II of the project, would include a 10,000-square-foot observatory deck for sightseeing. It would also house a five-star hotel with restaurants, ballrooms and sky terraces and luxury condominiums. The grand development in addition to a modernized Coliseum could cost billions of dollars to complete in its entirety.
But even if they did, some developers don't think it could happen anytime soon.
After all, the nearby EAB Plaza is only 15 stories high and the closest comparison would be the Citicorp Building in Long Island City with 50 floors.
Michael Picker, senior vice president of operations for the Islanders and the New York Dragons arena football team, said the developer group is working on approvals.
Still, local real estate experts said it is common for developers to ask for more than they would get.
Aside from the tower proposal, the business community was upbeat about a revamped coliseum, which would include eateries and a retail component with at least 12 entertainment retail stores.
As for the retail component, experts said Wang should try to differentiate the stores from others in the surrounding area given the close proximity of Roosevelt Field Mall.
