Riverside Apartment Foundation Reinforcement in Saugatuck, MI

Seawall-Adjacent Wall Stabilized with InvisiBeam® and Crack Stitch™

The Challenge

Situated along the Kalamazoo River in the popular tourist town of Saugatuck, Michigan, the Holiday Hill Apartments have endured decades of rising water levels and multiple flooding events. At one point, water from the river overtopped the seawall and entered the building interiors—raising serious concerns about the structural integrity of the foundation.

While the foundation was showing signs of general instability from ongoing water intrusion and soil pressure, the most critical issue was a 130-foot-long poured concrete rear wall that had begun bowing inward. This deflection was caused by soil pressure from the adjacent street and sidewalks. Due to the building’s urban location and tight site constraints, traditional excavation and wall realignment were not possible.

The Solution

Kent Companies, a certified contractor based in Grand Rapids, MI, was chosen to stabilize the structure. Their multi-phase approach included:

• Foundation Pier Installation:
  Structural piers were installed beneath the foundation to correct settlement and stabilize the entire building footprint.

• InvisiBeam® Carbon Fiber Reinforcement:
  To address the bowing rear wall, engineers specified the Fortress InvisiBeam® system for its non-invasive installation and industry-leading tensile strength. A total of 33 carbon fiber straps were installed across the wall surface.

  Because the floor joists ran parallel to the wall—making direct access to framing members difficult—Kent Companies used Fortress aluminum angle brackets to install the top anchors into blocking between joists. This post-tensioned anchoring method ensured a secure load path without disrupting the building’s layout or finishes.

• Crack Stitch™ + Epoxy Crack Repair:
  Multiple cracks along the foundation were stitched with Fortress Crack Stitch™ reinforcements and sealed using Xtreme 4070 structural epoxy, restoring continuity and preventing further movement or water infiltration.

The Outcome

The building’s foundation is now stabilized and protected—without excavation or disruption to tenants. With 33 InvisiBeam straps in place and pier supports below, the structure can safely resist soil pressure and future water-related forces. This project demonstrates how carbon fiber technology can solve serious structural issues even in challenging, space-limited environments.

Why It Matters

Riverfront and coastal buildings often face hidden foundation risks from water pressure, settlement, and soil shifts. The combination of carbon fiber reinforcement, foundation piers, and epoxy crack repair provides long-lasting protection—while avoiding the cost and complexity of traditional repair methods.

Property Owners: Connect With a Certified Contractor

Think your basement walls might be shifting, cracking, or bowing? Our network of certified contractors can help.
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