The Montana chapter of the American Institute of Architects is involved in numerous community outreach programs and initiatives that allow architects to give back while promoting the value of architecture to the public.

This year, River Edge Pavilion in Alberton earned one of AIA Montana’s highest design honors. The project received an "honor" award, the organization’s top level of recognition, placing it among only three projects statewide to receive the distinction.

“Pretty cool that a small project in Mineral County is getting state-level recognition,” said Jacob Wright, principal architect with MMW Architects. “The ‘Honor’ is the highest award, and River Edge was one of only three projects recognized at that level.”

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’s afternoon breeze. 

An innovative building material called Cross-laminated timber (CLT) helped ground it in its natural setting. By choosing CLT, 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.

The other two Honor award recipients were located in Bozeman. One project, two duplexes, consists of four residences, each approximately 2,200 square feet with two stories and a basement, located in the downtown area. 

The second, MSU’s 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.

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.

While the pavilion was initially promoted as a three-season space, that concept has since evolved. 

“We’ve been doing Christmas parties all season; we had three this week alone,” Levikow said. 

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. 

“We already partner with many river guides, and that’s only going to grow,” she said. “They bring their rafting clients here, dock up, have lunch or drinks, and then get right back on the river.” To accommodate this, River Edge is developing menus that allow for either quick turnaround or longer, leisurely meals, depending on guests’ needs.

The pavilion has also hosted several concerts in both the facility and RV area, all of which have been overwhelmingly popular. 

“We had a great 90s band that just rocked everyone’s socks off,” Levikow said, gesturing toward the lawn and patio areas where people gathered. 

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.

Levikow said the owners, Ron and Kate Rule, are deeply 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. 

“We’re in the process of working with the City of Alberton to help support the local museum,” Levikow said. “We want to help staff it so there’s more for visitors from Missoula and other areas to do while they’re here.” 

She said the project is something the team hopes to pursue next spring. 

“When 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’t open year-round, or at least during the summer.”

    The 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)