{"id":387294,"date":"2026-01-04T12:19:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T12:19:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/387294\/"},"modified":"2026-01-04T12:19:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T12:19:20","slug":"river-edge-pavilion-earns-top-architecture-award","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/387294\/","title":{"rendered":"River Edge Pavilion earns top architecture award"},"content":{"rendered":"

River Edge Pavilion in Alberton this year earned one of highest design honors from the Montana chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The project received an Honor Award, the organization\u2019s top level of recognition, placing it among only three projects statewide to receive the distinction.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty cool that a small project in Mineral County is getting state-level recognition,\u201d said Jacob Wright, principal architect with MMW Architects. \u201cThe Honor is the highest award, and River Edge was one of only three projects recognized at that level.\u201d<\/p>\n

The pavilion is designed around an open-air dining experience, emphasizing transparency and connection to the Clark Fork River below. Large retractable sliding glass doors, five in total, open the space to natural cross-ventilation, taking advantage of the canyon\u2019s afternoon breeze.\u00a0<\/p>\n

An innovative building material called Cross-laminated timber helped ground it in its natural setting. By choosing it, the design team not only embraced a renewable, low-carbon material but also supported sustainable forestry practices that contribute to long-term forest restoration and resilience. The structure is angled to capture both upstream and downstream river views, with a patio dining area centered around a fire pit. A gently manicured trail leads guests down to the riverbank, providing direct access to the water.<\/p>\n

The other two Honor Award recipients were located in Bozeman. One project, two duplexes, consists of four residences, each about 2,200 square feet with two stories and a basement, located in the downtown area.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The second, Montana State University\u2019s Romney Hall, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a physical divider between the north and south ends of the campus. The renovation brought 50,000 square feet of brick, glass and steel up to modern safety codes while preserving the character of the original 1922 structure.<\/p>\n

Elise Levikow, general manager of River Edge Steakhouse and Resort, is originally from Frenchtown. After spending many years in the corporate hospitality industry, she returned home and has held her current position since October.<\/p>\n

While the pavilion was initially promoted as a three-season space, that concept has since evolved.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been doing Christmas parties all season; we had three this week alone,\u201d Levikow said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Due to its popularity, heating is being added so the space can operate year-round. Winter months will primarily host private events, while spring, summer and fall will see the pavilion open as an extension of the main restaurant. Levikow is particularly excited about summer activities and water recreation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe already partner with many river guides, and that\u2019s only going to grow,\u201d she said. \u201cThey bring their rafting clients here, dock up, have lunch or drinks, and then get right back on the river.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

In response, River Edge is developing menus that allow for either quick turnaround or longer, leisurely meals, depending on guests\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n

The pavilion has also hosted several concerts in both the facility and RV area, all of which have been overwhelmingly popular.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a great ’90s band that just rocked everyone\u2019s socks off,\u201d Levikow said, gesturing toward the lawn and patio areas where people gathered.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jazz concerts and weddings were also common, with the space often closed off from the main restaurant to allow for private receptions that can tie into overnight stays at the motel. The River Edge property spans 12 acres and includes RV parking, campsites, a motel, restaurant, and bar.<\/p>\n

Levikow said the owners, Ron and Kate Rule, are committed to the community. While they live locally, they allow management and administrative staff to handle daily operations as they remain actively engaged in community life.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re in the process of working with the city of Alberton to help support the local museum,\u201d Levikow said. \u201cWe want to help staff it so there\u2019s more for visitors from Missoula and other areas to do while they\u2019re here.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

She said the project is something the team hopes to pursue next spring.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Ron saw the museum, he fell in love with it. He thought it was the coolest thing and felt it was a shame it isn\u2019t open year-round, or at least during the summer.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0<\/a> \u00a0The pavilion that was recently built at the Rivers Edge Steakhouse in Alberton received top honors for construction, design and material from the Montana chapter of the American Institute of Architects. (Monte Turner\/Mineral Independent)
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