[1] Bayview consisted of one large building and did not have grounds and a fenced perimeter, although an annex was later added.

The building was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and it began its life as housing for sailors before being converted in the 1970s into a jail which held a maximum of 323 women, which represented approximately half of New York State's female prison population.

[2][3][4] Covering the entire south wall of Bayview is the Venus, a mural painted by New York artist Knox Martin in 1970.

Today, Venus is almost entirely obscured by the neighboring building 100 Eleventh Avenue, completed in 2010.

[5] Featured on the New York State Correction Officer Informational Page's "History of Bayview" is the following statement: In 1970, prior to the rejuvenation of the district, Bayview's entire south wall was decorated with a red and pink abstract painting, called "Venus" by artist Knox Martin.