The Department of Buildings (DOB) permit data for March 2026 has just been processed, and the results point to some unexpected hotspots. While major developments get the headlines, our interest is in Alt-1 and Alt-2 filings—the commercial alterations that signal new tenant activity.
In Manhattan, the Flatiron District and NoMad are seeing a 22% increase in alteration permits compared to last quarter. Many of these are converting traditional office layouts into specialized tech or wellness centers.
In Queens, Long Island City's Court Square area is seeing a spike in permits for amenity-rich retail within existing residential podiums. This aligns with our Retail Vitality Score™ trend for LIC, which has been climbing steadily as high-rise residential density reaches critical mass.
We've identified 10 specific blocks across the boroughs where more than 5 active alteration permits are currently filed. These are the locations to watch for new retail and service openings in Q3 and Q4. Subscribers can download the full spreadsheet with BBL-level detail from our Data Stories dashboard.