Blending iconic finishes with historic retro charm while maintaining hotel operations in an occupied renovation
Renovating within an Occupied, Operational Business
The Ryder Hotel remained operational throughout the renovation process, working at reduced capacity during off-peak times and full occupancy during peak times. As such, the project team prioritized low-occupancy periods for construction and provided advanced notice to guests to minimize disruption and maintain guest satisfaction and the overall tranquility of the hotel.
As the project required new concrete to be placed in an enclosed courtyard, the project team sought innovative solutions to access the area and minimize disruption, including pouring concrete at night and routing the pump over the building into the closed space. With the confined, occupied space providing limited access points, the team used a design-build strategy to creatively plan the construction of this space and carefully coordinated deliveries to avoid congestion and ensure timely placement of materials.
Managing Hidden Conditions with Proactive Solutions
In addition to the considerations involved with occupied renovations, the project team often faced unexpected conditions behind the walls of the older structure, such as substrates and varying ground integrities. Through a flexible and adaptive approach, as well as a contingency plan to address unforeseen challenges, the team came prepared to pivot both the methods of construction as well as the materials used based on what was discovered during the renovation.
The project team also discovered issues with the ground beneath the property’s asphalt, requiring proactive collaboration and transparency with key stakeholders to make the right decision regarding the stone or other materials to be used in remediation.
Building Space for Unique Food & Beverage Options
A podium slab at the main hotel level creates an outdoor patio and gathering space, allowing the popular indoor-outdoor-poolside venue and restaurant, Little Palm, to expand food and beverage operations while creating an outdoor fireside experience. Resourceful construction methods and innovative design establish its newly designated guest registration and gear garage space from previously underutilized areas of its downtown footprint.
The property’s new Tiki Bar was built using steel columns and beams, wood trusses, and plywood sheathing topped with a Supreme ice and water shield for durability and performance. The thatch material used for the roof, Endurede, was sourced from a specialty supplier and is known for its use in theme parks like Walt Disney World. This material was chosen for its durability and authentic appearance, adding to the tiki bar’s charm and functionality while remaining durable to withstand various weather considerations. Countertops inside the bar were constructed using recycled materials, such as glass and seashells, adding a sustainable touch to the design.
The interior design group and architects worked in tandem to select and specify the specialty finishes throughout the property, which allowed for more integrated and cohesive design decisions. This collaborative approach ensured both functional and aesthetic considerations were in perfect balance.
Flexible, Adaptive, Collaborative Construction
Effective pre-planning for site logistics was crucial for the smooth execution of this project. Anticipating challenges and preparing solutions in advance saved time and reduced disruptions, highlighting the importance of logistics management in complex renovation projects.
Close coordination with trade partners and suppliers was essential for managing deliveries and installations in a tight, occupied space. Clear communication and detailed planning helped avoid conflicts and ensure timely progress, reinforcing the value of strong project management and teamwork.
This hotel renovation project required a flexible and adaptive approach to handle unexpected challenges and hidden conditions. Based on past project experience and deep knowledge of the intricacies involved with interior renovations, the team was able to work cohesively, adjusting plans and methods quickly and effectively based on real-time discoveries.
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