Flushing's newest affordable housing development officially opens Friday, but NY1 got a sneak peek at Macedonia Plaza before the ribbon is cut.

The corner of Union Street and 37th Avenue used to be home to a city-owned parking lot. Now, a 14-story affordable housing development called Macedonia Plaza stands here. The project is a joint venture between the city, developer BRP Companies and the neighboring Macedonia AME Church.

“There were 30-thousand applicants who applied for 142 units. So that just tells you the need for affordable housing in this community,” said the church’s pastor, Rev. Richard McEachern.

Developers said this building is unique among income-based housing because of its high-end finishes like granite counter tops, wide hallways, and large common spaces.

“We have in-house architects and designers that work with BRP that really push the envelope to make sure that what we're building looks like top of the market,” said Andrew Cohen, who is Director of Development for BRP Companies. “And we want folks who live in our buildings to feel like it's home.”

One of the first tenants to move into the new building was Maria Masaia.

She applied to become a resident back in 2013 on the city's housing website.

"I'm grateful for the city to have programs like this because it allows a single mother like me to be able to afford an apartment like this,” Masaia said.

So, what is her favorite part of the apartment?

“The view,” she said without hesitation. “The view is amazing. The apartments are spacious. The layout of the rooms, the bedrooms, the bathrooms. There's a lot of closet space too.”

Developers said this building is also extremely energy efficient. It actually generates its own electricity using what’s called a co-generation plant, located in the basement.

“It's essentially a power plant, a stand-alone power plant,” said BRP’s Managing Director, Anisa Kieth. “The building generates its own electricity, its own heat, and in the summer months its own cooling.”

Rents at Macedonia Plaza are between $500 and $1200 per month. It is fully occupied right now, but developers plan to open other similar buildings in the future.

For more information on affordable housing in the city, go to nyc.gov/housingconnect.