Alvista Rise is one of the largest, sustainable residential buildings to be completed in downtown Jamaica Queens, New York. With over 545,000 SF and 543 residential units, the 25-story building contains a variety of unit sizes and types, serving a diverse population of incomes.

Conceptualized as part of a modern commuter ecosystem, Alvista Rise is strategically located near one of NY’s busiest transit hubs. With only manufacturing sites surrounding the immediate area, the design solution for Alvista Rise was achieved via materials used. The façade is a collage of steel, glass, and stone punctuated by vertical elements. The random, energetic stripes bring visual interest and large-scale vertical movement to the building while referencing the dichotomy of the nearby transit tracks’ horizontal element. As part of a larger design goal, Alvista Rise’s dynamic facade creates an intentional interplay of design motifs with Alvista Towers, another GF55 project located directly across the street. The size and length of the two 25-story buildings, which face each other along 94th Avenue, provided the opportunity to carve out a new street environment that would help define the residential character for the industrial neighborhood.

Generous amenity spaces have been created throughout the mixed income building to engage residents. These include lounges, yoga center, children’s play area, and workstations. A music room, art studio, and pet cleaning station can be found in the cellar while rooftop amenities include a BBQ grill station, outdoor play area, a dog run, and lounges with extensive views of Manhattan and JFK airport.

Honored by the Queens Chamber of Commerce with a Sustainable Building Award, Alvista Rise is Enterprise Green Community certified. Reduced carbon footprint, safe materials, energy-efficient appliances, water conserving fixtures, and advanced water conservation are intended to prepare the building for local climate hazards.

Together Alvista Rise and Alvista Towers serve as catalyst for sustainable urban development and define a new skyline for the downtown Jamaica.