The Rowe

Triangle worked with CWD Real Estate Investment and RDV Corporation on the $24 million, 140,000 sq ft adaptive re-use retail/residential project located at 201 Michigan Street in downtown Grand Rapids. This project involved a thorough and complete renovation of the original 1923 Rowe Hotel, a city landmark. In addition to the renovation and restoration of the existing historical building, new additions including a new penthouse level was constructed to accommodate and support 85 new residential units, including underground parking, roof top collaboration space and new support infrastructure for life safety, building utilities, storage and occupant transport throughout the building. The first level spaces were converted and upgraded to retail space. Upper levels include 77 apartments with the top two floors providing 8 condominiums.

This was a challenging project because portions of the building’s foundation rested on an old Grand River canal wall. To ensure longevity, the team stabilized the existing field stone canal walls and encased the original cast iron columns (installed in 1922). Additionally, during excavation the team implemented a dewatering system and displaced 575,000 gallons of impeding ground water.

Preserving the building’s historical grandeur was a main priority for the team. We were able clean and repair the brick, limestone, and terracotta exterior masonry, as well as salvage the original plaster ceiling in the entrance.