Fire at Avalon Bay in Garden City (Photo credit: Paul Prince)
Avalon Garden City plans to rebuild one of its apartment buildings damaged in a fire while it construction workers were nearing its completion, representatives of the development said.
The building and its 15 partially constructed units were destroyed in the blaze, which broke out at around 11 a.m. Wednesday. More than 100 firefighters from 10 fire departments brought the flames under control less than two hours later.
“We are very relieved that no residents were injured or otherwise affected by the blaze,” said Matthew Whalen, vice president for development at AvalonBay Communities Inc., the firm building the apartments on Stewart Avenue in East Garden City. Only one of the buildings in the complex is occupied.
Whalen said the leasing office will reopen Friday to show model apartments to prospective residents and execute leases during their usual hours, 9 a.m.-5p.m.
Construction began on the development last summer and—barring further disruptions in construction—is slated to be completed at the end of this year. Situated on the northern border of Nassau Community College, the development will be home to 224 apartment units.
Nassau County police said one firefighter injured his shoulder. Preliminary investigation found that the fire was accidental, officials said.
Whalen said AvalonBay expects insurance to largely cover the costs of the fire damage.
