Now completely transformed to attract today’s business travelers, the Crowne Plazaâ Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia was in need of a complete overhaul when we were invited to propose on a public area renovation. Upon initial analysis, we quickly determined that most of the materials to be removed and replaced would have to go through the front doors. This approach became a reality due to the removal of large items like furniture, a complete demo of everything in the upper and lower atrium area, and excavation of the expansive interior landscape water feature, resulting in more than 80 dumpster loads (30cy each) of dirt and debris.
After establishing a logistics plan for material removal and learning that the rooms were being renovated simultaneously with the public areas, it became apparent that it was not feasible to keep the hotel open during the renovation.
The guestroom renovation schedule was already set, so our Shell McElroy team was tasked with completing the renovation in support of re-opening the hotel once a certain number of guestrooms were back in service. This overlap gave our team a 6-month window. Sounds easy enough, right?
Well, after decades in construction, we know that easy does not exist in complex renovations. And we are okay with that. Our initial schedule was well thought out with consideration taken for things like unforeseen conditions, permitting, document revisions, material long lead times, and even potential workforce delays typical of today’s labor market. As expected of a complex renovation, challenges presented themselves at every turn. Still, our project team persevered, carefully managing the schedule down to the day while developing recovery plans and looking for efficiencies wherever possible.
Like a well-oiled machine, our superintendent, in conjunction with the hotel operator and the room renovation contractor, coordinated deliveries, haul-offs, and subcontractor and supplier traffic to direct operations efficiently and maintain a high level of productivity across both renovation projects. Our Shell McElroy project team maintained an adapt and overcome attitude, making it look easy for those not involved in the day-to-day efforts.
The results speak for themselves.