Coosa Harbor

Coosa Harbor is a mixed-use riverfront destination on the Coosa River in Gadsden, Alabama. The project transforms the waterfront into a gathering place for dining and entertainment. Four buildings house Big Mike's Steakhouse, Lost Pizza Co., Kilwins, and Levi's on the Lake, joined by a public riverwalk and nearly 4,000 square feet of over-water elements including a pier, floating boat slips, and a stationary performance stage.

Early studies explored placing the buildings directly on the water. Pulling them back from the riverfront instead captured a generous outdoor space at the heart of the development. A main path connects the buildings to the pier ramp, with a turf play area on one side and a courtyard on the other, where string lights and flexible seating face a stage set over the water. Garage doors open the bar and restaurant interiors to covered patios and a planted courtyard lined with bench seating.

Each building carries its own character through varied roof forms, shade structures, and material pairings, while a shared palette unifies the development as a single destination. The riverwalk routes through the site between the development and parking, keeping the waterfront active as public gathering space while allowing the venue to host special events. Display parking near the entry and dedicated boat spots along the main path and waterfront put cars and boats on view throughout the site.