Breakwater 233 Apartments

Located at 233 Lake Avenue in Racine, Wisconsin, Breakwater 233 Apartments mark a significant milestone as the first market-rate apartments to be developed in downtown Racine in 20 years. The 3.542-acre site, previously vacant for years, has a rich industrial history, including lumber storage and a manufactured gas plant.

Driven by the client's vision to transform the site and attract more people to downtown Racine, GRAEF was chosen to provide structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and environmental engineering services for this luxurious 5-story, 202-unit apartment complex on the shores of Lake Michigan. Breakwater 233 offers studio through 3-bedroom apartment units with high-end finishes and city or waterfront views. Amenities include a rooftop terrace, state-of-the-art fitness center, and car charging stations. The LEED Silver Certified building features light-frame wood construction supported by a post-tensioned concrete podium with one level of parking, and a rooftop solar array.

Designing the building on an environmentally contaminated site posed challenges that required a combination of shallow and deep foundation systems, specific subgrade detailing, and dedicated mechanical systems to protect against harmful vapors. Despite these challenges, the construction proceeded smoothly, finishing on time and within budget.