This mixed-use development includes the upscale VESPR apartment tower and ground-floor commercial space with below-grade parking. 

Rockridge Geotechnical (RG) performed both preliminary and final geotechnical investigations at the site, consulted with the project team during design, and provided geotechnical services during construction of the project.

Following the geotechnical investigations, Rockridge Geotechnical determined the major geotechnical issues at the site were the potential for foundation settlement due to the presence of weak and compressible marsh deposits associated with the northwest arm of Lake Merritt and the former Glen Echo Creek, liquefaction-induced foundation settlement following a major earthquake, and providing suitable lateral support for the required excavation. 

To address these challenges, Rockridge Geotechnical recommended the building be supported by a mat foundation bearing on a ground improvement system, which was designed to improve foundation performance under both static and seismic conditions. Rockridge Geotechnical collaborated closely with the structural engineer and design-build ground improvement subcontractor to optimize the ground improvement and mat design while reducing settlement to tolerable levels. In addition, RG provided detailed shoring and underpinning recommendations to minimize the impact of construction on nearby improvements.