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Perhaps the most monumental structure to dominate the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica, is not shown in either of these photos. It was the elevated subway tracks that ran down the avenue from 1918 to the late 1970s. In the background of the top photo, taken in about 1910 along Jamaica Avenue, are the spires of the Dutch Reformed Church, which still exists. The building in front housed the Jamaica Beef Co. In its place, the recent photo shows the Joseph P. Addabbo Federal Office Building, which dates from 1989. The 11-story building houses the Social Security Administration's Northeast Program Service Center and has a payroll of about 1,450 employees.

Behind the building on the right is Grace Church, built in 1862. Today, the area is anchored by York College and the Jamaica station of the Long Island Rail Road.