THE PROJECT

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Project Highlights
  • A constrained 2.58-acre site and one story of grade change required the use temporary (soil nail wall) and permanent (cantilevered retaining wall) soil retention solutions
  • Challenging expansive soils were bypassed with drilled concrete piers extending to bedrock
  • Adjusted structural system mid-design to respond to changing market conditions

Grand Living at the Grove is a five-story, 346,000-square-foot senior living community that sets a new standard for luxury and personalized care in Austin. Featuring 186 independent and assisted living units, 36 memory care units, and a below-grade parking level with 167 stalls, the community serves as a vibrant gathering place within The Grove’s mixed-use environment. Designed to rival high-end resorts rather than traditional retirement communities, the development offers a hospitality-driven experience with elevated dining, wellness, entertainment, and gathering spaces.

OUR IMPACT

Photo by VONDELINDE

TWO-WAY PT DESIGN

eliminates sheer walls and bracing

EARLY INPUT

drove design efficiency

ENHANCED QUALITY

of life for senior residents
Service Provided
  • Structural engineering

OUR SOLUTIONS

Early in design, MBJ was heavily involved in supporting the team by evaluating several structural system options including cold-formed steel, composite steel, and concrete to identify the most efficient approach. While CFS was originally favored, market conditions led to a switch to post-tensioned concrete. The flexibility of the two-way flat plate concrete system helped MBJ to develop a column grid within a floor plan that was originally laid out for a bearing wall system. Due to the site’s expansive native soils, the foundation system utilizes drilled concrete piers that extend to bedrock, bypassing the problematic soil conditions. The building’s lateral system is a flat plate moment frame system that provides for maximum flexibility in the floor plan by reducing shear walls. At the fifth floor, the floor plate steps inward resulting in a column line that is off grid and requiring a series of PT transfer beams to support the roof structure. Two first-floor courtyards, including a pool, further demonstrate the flexibility of the post-tensioned system to accommodate complex amenity spaces.

Location:

Austin, TX

Completed:

2025

Construction Cost:

$65,000,000

Owner:

Grand Living

Architect:

Ryan A+E

Contractor:

Ryan Companies

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