Story

A skyscraper offers an impressive sight for those standing in its shadow down below, while offering an impressive view for those looking out its windows, high above. But during construction, the stately high-rise offers considerable challenges to those who would raise it up. 

The River House tower was erected using post-tension concrete (with floors and walls poured as the building rises), electric and plumbing had to be put in place concurrently. Post-tension concrete also meant steel cable going through the sleeves, requiring drilling precision by electricians. The downtown location presented a challenge as well, anyone in the building industry knows that when you have a tight urban site, it affects every trade—how you operate and how you deliver equipment and materials.  Add to that a tower crane operating overhead and you have a construction project requiring the utmost skill and keenest vigilance.  Allied did it as a design-build project. There was no outside electrical engineering firm involved. It was completely done by us.

Despite the inherent challenges, River House Condominiums stands tall and majestic, adding a stunning element to the Grand Rapids skyline. The building’s 207 housing units offer the utmost in luxury living, featuring private terraces and floor-to-ceiling exterior glass walls. Impressive - whether you’re looking out its windows or standing in its shadow.