Story

River House is the realization of a vision by Robert Grooters, the second tower of a project begun 15 years ago. A 34-story condominium unit built from glass and post-tension concrete, River House rises over 400’ above the street to dominate the skyline as Grand Rapids’ tallest building and the tallest residential building in the state. River House is home to 180 condos, 27 penthouses, and 184 parking spaces, with living spaces ranging from 900-to-1,900 sq. ft. condos up to a 4,600 sq.ft. penthouse. Each unit has its own private balcony or terrace. Other amenities include a pool, hot tub, fitness center, locker room, club room, and 24-hour security/concierge service. The building rests 5” from the existing Bridgewater Place building and parking deck. Perched on 58 caissons that vary in width from 4’ to 8’, River House is solidly socketed and resting on limestone. In order to maintain the structure’s football shape, five girders weighing nearly 450,000 pounds each transfer weight from the tower to the caissons. Reinforced concrete cast-in-place columns supporting 8” thick post-tensioned concrete slabs provide structure. Completion of River House required labor over 400’ above the ground, but through a collaborative team approach, the job was finished safely and within schedule.