Whitney Wharf
April 11, 2017
Parkview on Peachtree – Chamblee (North Atlanta), GA
February 19, 2018River Lights Development – Wilmington, North Carolina
Bespoke Masterpieces Since 1985
A Waterfront Community Connected by Design
Located along the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, North Carolina, River Lights is a master-planned waterfront community designed to connect residents with the natural beauty of the riverfront. To help achieve this vision, River Lights partnered with York Bridge Concepts to create an integrated network of boardwalks, bridges, piers, gathering spaces, and waterfront amenities that encourage exploration, recreation, and community engagement.
Through YBC's Decero™ Design-Engineer-Build process, the project evolved into a comprehensive waterfront experience featuring more than 1,500 feet of custom-built structures, including a pedestrian bridge, elevated boardwalk system, observation pier, pavilion, and outdoor bar. Together, these elements transform the river's edge into a destination where residents and visitors can connect with nature while enjoying exceptional craftsmanship and design.
Creating a Connected Waterfront Experience
The goal of the River Lights project was simple: activate the waterfront and create meaningful connections throughout the community.
The York Bridge Concepts team carefully planned every component of the project to ensure seamless movement between amenities while preserving the natural character of the shoreline. The result is a collection of structures that work together as a unified experience, encouraging residents to walk, gather, dine, relax, and enjoy the waterfront.
The completed project includes:
- 1,190-foot elevated boardwalk
- 120-foot pedestrian bridge
- 220-foot waterfront pier
- Pavilion and dockhead
- 53-foot outdoor bar
- Integrated lighting and gathering spaces
- Future connections for expanded waterfront amenities
Each element was designed to complement the surrounding environment while enhancing community life.
A Pier Built with the Environment in Mind
One of the centerpiece features of River Lights is the waterfront pier.
Extending from the boardwalk and crossing the shoreline, the pier reaches out over the water to a large observation area featuring a dockhead and covered pavilion. The structure provides panoramic views of the river while creating a gathering space for residents and visitors.
Environmental Stewardship Through Design
Protecting the shoreline was a primary project objective.
To minimize impacts on the surrounding ecosystem, YBC implemented:
- Narrowed site-specific access paths
- Low-impact foundation systems
- Deck-Level Construction methodologies
- Reduced shoreline disturbance
- Careful preservation of existing vegetation
By constructing from the deck level whenever possible, the team significantly reduced environmental disruption and minimized the project's footprint along the riverbank.
The result is a waterfront experience that enhances access while preserving the natural environment that makes the site so special.
Pedestrian Bridge Creates a Signature Crossing
The River Lights pedestrian bridge serves as one of the community's most recognizable landmarks.
Spanning approximately 120 feet across the water, the bridge features three sets of engineered glulam stringers that work together to create a graceful rolled-arch profile.
This architectural feature adds visual elegance while providing a durable and functional crossing for residents and visitors.
Custom Design Features
The bridge incorporates several signature Decero™ design elements:
- Curved glulam arch system
- Coated wire rope railing system
- Decorative X-accent details
- Custom post caps
- Dual-tone neutral finish palette
- Open views of the surrounding waterway
The bridge's design reflects the coastal character of the community while creating an iconic visual focal point along the waterfront.
A Boardwalk Designed for Exploration
Stretching nearly 1,200 feet through the forested shoreline, the River Lights boardwalk creates an immersive nature experience that encourages residents to engage with the waterfront.
The elevated pathway meanders through the landscape while connecting:
- Waterfront gathering areas
- The pedestrian bridge
- Observation pier
- Outdoor restaurant spaces
- Future waterfront amenities
- Community trails
Rather than functioning solely as a pathway, the boardwalk becomes a destination in itself.
Boardwalk Features
- Seating wide-outs
- Integrated lighting
- Stainless steel wire rope handrails
- Curving alignment
- Scenic viewpoints
- Nature observation opportunities
The thoughtfully designed route allows residents to experience the riverfront at a slower pace while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding environment.
Outdoor Plaza Creates a Community Gathering Space
A defining feature of the River Lights waterfront experience is the custom-designed outdoor plaza and lounge area.
This impressive structure extends approximately 53 feet in length and rises 11 feet into the air, creating a covered gathering space overlooking the river.
The Decero™ design team developed a cantilevered heavy timber structure that integrates directly into the boardwalk system while establishing a distinctive architectural focal point.
Design Highlights
- Heavy timber construction
- Engineered cantilever design
- Blackened steel accents
- Integrated lighting system
- Aluminum standing seam roof
- Covered seating area
- Rich translucent oil finish
The structure blends modern design elements with natural materials to create an inviting destination where residents can gather, relax, and enjoy riverfront views.
Decero™ Design-Build Excellence
The River Lights project exemplifies York Bridge Concepts' ability to deliver complex, multi-structure developments through a single Design-Engineer-Build process.
By integrating engineering, architecture, environmental stewardship, and construction expertise, YBC created a cohesive waterfront destination that feels natural, functional, and enduring.
Every structure was carefully designed to:
- Enhance community engagement
- Preserve environmental resources
- Improve waterfront access
- Create memorable experiences
- Strengthen community identity
Transforming the Riverfront Experience
Today, River Lights stands as one of the most compelling examples of how thoughtful timber infrastructure can elevate an entire community.
The boardwalk, bridge, pier, pavilion, and outdoor bar work together to create a destination that encourages residents to connect with the river, the environment, and one another.
More than just a collection of structures, River Lights represents a vision of waterfront living where design, sustainability, and craftsmanship come together to create a truly exceptional place.