Christopher Reznich was on the design team for Stoss Landscape Urbanism.
“Part of a multi-disciplinary, multi-site master plan for the Grand Rapids Riverfront that focuses on reconnecting the Grand River with the community of Grand Rapids, the goal was to create new recreational opportunities along the water and a vision for a more energetic and resilient downtown. The resulting master plan addressed the Grand River’s outmoded flood protection system and casts a vision for accessible public amenities aimed, not only at protecting the city from an increasing flood risk, but also providing recreation, including floating boardwalks, kayak docks, yoga decks, biking trails, and wildlife habitat.
Stoss identified 16 sites at over 70 acres along 6 miles of the Grand River, each site tapping into larger issues of flood protection, public access, and ecology—bringing new interest, development, and activity to the city’s river. One of the areas, identified as a critical site to augment resiliency efforts, was Coldbrook Edge. The Stoss team designed a viewing deck that provided an overlook to the river while also providing critical access to an existing seawall. In addition, a series of tiered gabion walls were constructed to provide enhanced flood protection.” - Stoss Landscape Urbanism