Does anyone know the reason behind the strange design of the Riverview complex? By strange I mean why are they not using the full space they have? If you look at the arial view they are using approximately 60% of the space above the third floor. Why would you buy a property and not maximize (especially if you are going to lease)?

I thought that they were going to put a pool up there (which would have been sweet), but from their site, that does not seem to be the case. I also looked at their ammenities - not too much more attractive than CL (they have a monster health club, but we have the bigger garage).

Could it be because of the 7 train going under?

The design looks more arkward everytime I look at the picture on its website - a really nice building on the right, and a little hump of a building scuttled to its left (for the seniors).

Whatever the case its still better for CL - leaves us with better view and them not that close.

Those construction guys are picking up steam. Only 7 more floors to go (32)? It will be exciting to have hundreds of new neighbors.

The design of the building is constrained by the lesser known design branch called urban planning which can be viewed at QueensWest.org. When done properly, urban planning limits the size and proportions of structures so buildings may co-exist harmoniously, as opposed to putting up structures that are developed almost regardless of its neighbors. So many commercial and apartment towers are maxed-out that we tend to lose sight of the benefits of an overall vision. Think of the chaos of Central Park without Olmsted's landscape design, or Manhattan without a logical street grid. If Avalon Bay or any other developer wasn't obligated to follow QWest parameters, they might have built their tower thicker(obstructing more of the view) and closer(good for voyeurs).

Indeed, the design of the building is very much determined by the Queens West authority. The master plan that was approved many years ago specified the height, floor area, number of parking spaces, public amenities (in this case, a senior citizen residence; in the case of Citylights, a school), etc. At the time the plan was developed, there was alot of opposition from the Hunter's Point residents who did not want their views to the west obstructed. The design, therefore, required thinner towers with alot of distance between them to preserve as much of the views as possible.

As for the pool, I know that when I bought here, the sales person indicated that there were plans for a swimming pool on the roof of that building. However, in researching the plans for the area, I do not think that the pool was ever part of the plans and was just one of those things that the sales people said to hype the area. Oh well. I'm still very happy living here even without the pool!

My understanding is that the pool and very big and high tech gym are slated for the building to the North (yet to be named).

Penny,
Yes Avalon is build over the "7" train tunnel.
The little tower is part of Avalon.
Thelarge area on the "5" floor is a common area.
On the concrete foundation at the 49th Ave is for the Senior home,wich is to be build by another builder.
not to long ago I spoke wich a young man
who is one of the people in charge of the Building (Bovis), He told me that there are no: basketball courts,Handball courts or a swimming pool on the blueprint.
The only thing Bovis was required to do was make the foundation for the senior Home.
And besides this, I thought and have heared that Avalon is a Rental Building.