July 6, 2017 By Jason Cohen
An independent drug store is opening in the Court Square section of Long Island City, in an area that residents claim lacks stores offering basic necessities.
City Chemist, a drugstore with locations in Brooklyn and Long Island, will open a 5,200 square foot store in early 2018 on the ground floor of The Hayden, a 50-story building owned by Rockrose that opened this year at 43-25 Hunter Street near 44th Road.
DNAinfo was first to report the story.
Patricia Dunphy, a senior vice president for Rockrose, said the pharmacy would focus on prescriptions and health products, as opposed to the larger chains that often put an emphasis on the grocery business.
She noted that Food Cellar, the supermarket, is located nearby and “Rockrose did not want to jeopardize their success as well.”
Dunphy also noted that Rockrose specifically sought out a drug store since the community asked for it.
“This pharmacy will serve the community and coupled with Food Cellar, serve the residents’ needs well,” Dunphy said.
Rockrose, which has developed or renovated a number of properties in Court Square, has tenants such as M. Well Steakhouse, Food Cellar and Toby’s Estate Coffee
Several new Rockrose tenants are coming to the area, such as Book Culture, Levante, a new pizza-centric eatery, and a Japanese restaurant.