Projects
San Juan
LA CONCHA RENAISSANCE SAN JUAN
Hotel
The La Concha Hotel opened in 1958 and is considered one of the foremost examples of Caribbean Modernism. Designed by the architectural firm Torres and Ferrer, the resort incorporated tropical climate features such as cross-ventilation, natural illumination, open lobbies and seamless transitions between inside and outside spaces, with details relevant to Island traditions: an interior patio, blinds, a mirador encompassing both the sea and the city and the use of water throughout. The protective diamond pattern concrete element in the façade is an architectural element used by famed architect Le Corbusier.
The facility gets its name from the signature seashell-shaped floating restaurant designed by internationally renowned architect Mario Salvatori. It has been hailed as a marvel of engineering and is considered an architectural treasure. The facility initially accommodated about 245 rooms, a pool deck, a large lobby, and a ballroom. The facility went through several owners and renovations and was eventually combined with the Vanderbilt Hotel to become the Condado Trio. It eventually fell into government hands and was closed in 1995.
Project Details:
Project: Renovation and Addition - The Rebirth of an Iconic Caribbean Resort
Type: Restoration of Original Building / Construction of Adjacent Tower
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Value: $220 Million
GBPM Services: Members of the GB Project Management team were involved through different organizations
Hotel: Len Cobb - Structural Engineer and Coordinating Professional.
Tower: Len Cobb - Coordinating Professional, Project Director, and Owners Representative. Kate Horkman – Project Accountant and Administrator. Jay Cobb – Project Inspector.
Description:
In 2002 the same team for the Vanderbilt, led by Hugh Andrews, undertook to bring this iconic property back to life in the spirit of its original design concept. The project was executed in two phases, the historical hotel and new towers. Construction on the original hotel commenced in 2004. It consisted of a completely remodeled lobby, two new infinity pools, new pool decks, beach access and cabanas, two food and beverage outlets, a six thousand square foot ballroom, and 194 guestrooms. The hotel opened in 2007. Construction of the suite tower and parking commenced in 2006 adjacent to the existing hotel. This facility features six floors of on-site parking, 235 high-end suites, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a central atrium with a large tension structure covering an open function deck, additional function space, and a casino. The tower opened in 2010.
Project Details:
Project: Historic Hotel Guestroom Remodeling
Type: Live Remodel of 247 rooms
Value: $13 Million
GBPM Services: Project Management, Procurement
Description:
The Ocean Tower (Original La Concha Hotel) needed a refresh and the Hotel contracted Interior Designer Jorge Rosselló to revitalize the guestroom product. Guestrooms and corridor floors were converted to tile. The fenestration, including the existing curtain wall and entrance doors, was replaced. The guestrooms were oriented toward the ocean, a built-in media wall was added, and all of the furniture and window treatments were exchanged. The bathrooms were refinished with new tile, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and glass doors. Ten rooms were converted from typical guestrooms into suites. All work was performed with guests present on adjacent floors. Work began in November 2018 and was completed by August 2019.