Four Seasons Hotel Modernization
Austin
Best Project

Owner: Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc.
Lead Design Firm: Kollin Altomare Architects
General Contractor: Turner Construction Co.
Civil Engineer: Big Red Dog
Structural/MEP Engineer: IMEG
Interior Designer: Whitespace Interiors

Through careful phasing, innovative materials and luxury details, the team on the $8.1-million Four Seasons Hotel modernization in Austin was able to deliver the project on a fast-paced schedule without disrupting operations or the high-end atmosphere.

The team was tasked with completing the project within four months, in time for the Austin City Limits Music Festival. The hotel needed to run at full capacity throughout construction—hosting corporate events, government meetings, weddings and guests.

The project involved the demolition and build-back of the lobby, bar, restaurant and restrooms, and an expansion of the outdoor patio into a two-level space overlooking Lady Bird Lake.

Turner leveraged local market relationships, national vendor connections and modern technology to manage various design options and to ultimately provide a guaranteed maximum price for the client.

To keep the hotel fully functional, the team phased the lobby renovation and incorporated a temporary wall innovation to streamline the process. The temporary walls featured a wipeable, prefinished face that produced a high-end look, and guests were unaware that these were temporary walls. The walls included trim that snapped on to conceal joints and corners, allowing for quick installation.

Because wall installation took place overnight, work had to be done in almost complete silence. The walls included double layers of drywall and were lined with full insulation.

The team had to give careful attention to luxury finishes and incorporate Texas limestone flooring, rare wood from around the world, intricate metal work and hand-painted wall coverings.

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