Standing 19 stories tall, the $86-million Rev Northgate Student Living high-rise development features a diverse range of housing options, unique amenities and collaborative features. Now the tallest building in College Station, the project features a distinct floor plan on each level, from studio apartments to six-bedroom townhomes.

The building’s curved design presented several construction challenges to the Rogers-O’Brien-led project team, such as an exposed slab edge on the concrete. An exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), surrounded by metal structural studs and dense glass, was chosen for its flexibility in being shaped into almost any form, perfectly accommodating the curvature of the structure.

Angular effects are also incorporated into the building’s design, creating geometric shapes through differently oriented windows.

The structure’s EIFS varies in thickness and shape, adding rhythm and pattern to the building’s aesthetic. Project crews aligned the formwork by taking points in the slab and carrying them up through the form to make the floor plans consistent throughout the building.

Photo by Alex Tice Gray

There was significant scope change and cost escalation between the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) and construction documents.

Finishes were all changed during construction as were the alterations to the amenity deck design’s exterior finishes. Adaptability was crucial in sourcing materials as well, especially when dealing with overseas suppliers.

Additionally, the team decided to use wire mesh from China for the garage’s exterior screening, and although it required on-the-fly modifications due to quality concerns—and the high winds posed a challenge when installing the system—the mesh saved money and enabled the team to complete that scope of work on time.

Other innovative strategies included the use of a pile crusher device during the early stages of structure erection, which helped break down hundreds of concrete piles and saved significant time off the schedule.

Photo by Alex Tice Gray

The team also had to figure out how to move 75 tons of volleyball court sand to the rooftop amenity deck after the crane had been disassembled. The solution was to use an electric pallet to move the bags of sand via the elevator.

Operating in a densely populated area with constant pedestrian traffic required heightened vigilance throughout construction. High-risk activities were strategically scheduled during school breaks to minimize the impact to students and the community.

Completed on time and within budget in July 2023, this project also served as a testing ground for advanced biometric sensors. All workers on the project wore the sensors, which allowed continuous monitoring of their vital signs, including heart rate and body temperature.

Real-time data flowed to a central software platform called SafeGuard. If any alarming readings were detected, workers were promptly notified and safety supervisors received alerts on their mobile devices, ensuring the well-being of the entire workforce.