There’s a discussion going on in the forum about the HVAC system on top of the On The Park Apartments, which is also home to the new QFC. Asks schaaster,
I am just curious. Is anyone else being driven crazy by the sound of the HVAC system on the On the Park Apartments? I was hoping at first that it was just construction-related and temporary, but it appears that they have completely quit work on the roof and nothing is changing. I live nearby and the sound permeates the walls of my apartment with my doors and windows closed. It sounds like an airplane is constantly hovering over the top of my building. I took a walk around the neighborhood and realized that it actually gets louder a few blocks away as it echoes off the other structures. I am used to living in somewhat noisy locations and noise usually doesn’t bother me much. This is just permeating and incessant and I have been having a really hard time sleeping because of it. I fear this summer when I need to sleep with the windows open. I haven’t noticed this much noise coming from any of the other large buildings in the area, but maybe I haven’t been paying attention since I don’t live next door to them.
It seems that the developer is aware of the noise. MsBallard30 adds this,
At the Ballard District Council meeting tonight a representative of the developer was there and briefly mentioned the grand opening of the QFC and that leasing will begin in February (studios, 1-2 bedrooms, 15 townhouses, etc.). In response to a question about the HVAC issues, the rep said that the HVAC will be screened and sound dampened, which should help with the noise. She went on to add that the HVAC was for the whole building including the QFC’s refridgeration. I couldn’t tell whether the additional comment was simply informational or perhaps foreshadows an argument they might end up making down the line in the event sound dampening efforts don’t succeed. Who knows. For now, it’s just good to know that they’re working on it.