Riverwalk /Amphitheater Construction Images
Gallery 3 - May 10th, 2003

A couple of seasons have passed since we last focused our attention on the Riverwalk and amenities of the America's Rive Project. A lot has happened in that time as the project is now nearing completion. In just the past few weeks alone, a great portion of the stamped decorator paved walkway has been poured and prepared to accept the decorative lighting that will adorn its length. With the water at a high level, as it is every spring, some of the river's edge amenities are submerged as you can see in the first two photos. Not to worry though, it was designed this way. When the waters recede, the stairs and water's edge platforms will again be fully accessible to visitors. A very long cement platform (patially underwater) now extends north from the River's Edge Plaza. We assume this will become a place for transient boaters to dock and enjoy the America's River Project.

Along the length of the walk there are many opportunities to descend stairways to the water itself. Atop the wall, work is complete in burying and widening the base along which the path runs. In fact, the last section not yet fully paved and wired for lights is the portion directly behind the fabulous new Grand River Center. We assume this is because a large and decorative patio will open up from the path coming from either direction. Although not yet paved, it is clear that convenient land bridge connections will connect riverwalk pedestrians to the Grand River Center, the Grand Harbor Resort, as well as the Alliant Amphitheater and Star Brewery. Decorative patio work behind the Grand Harbor Resort matches the design used on the riverwalk itself. In fact, all pedestrian travel areas off of the riverwalk will carry this same design theme.

Also seen below is an interesting set of steps jutting out in a wedge that hang over the river. This wedge of steps sit directly beneath the wedge of building (Grand River Center) that extends out over the water above it. Also below, workers complete massive limestone retaining walls between the parking area for the Grand River Center and the winding walkway that descends between this parking area and the Alliant Amphitheater. Note too the decorative steel structures that adorn the riverwalk in this area. These are pedestrian shelters which will likely house other amenities such as visitor information, trash receptacles and the like. Depending on how soon the area behind the Grand River Center is ready for completion, this area could be open for pedestrian traffic early this summer.