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Issue link: https://ccr-mag.epubxp.com/i/86028
"This renovation insures Hyatt Regency San Antonio's status as the premier meeting destination in San Antonio." — Peter McMahon, GM, Hyatt Regency San Antonio development, ownership and previous renovations. "Knowing very intimately the history of the Hyatt Regency San Antonio and understanding its place in the city's hospitality landscape made us especially honored that Hardin was chosen to take a leading role in this project," say Hardin Chairman Brantley Barrow. Hardin's portfolio covers nearly 100 hospitality proj- ects, including the construction of more than 24,600 hotel rooms throughout the United States, as well as extensive experience working on sites that must remain operational during construction or renovation, as was the case with the Hyatt renovation. Allen Hardin, son of company founder Ira H. Hardin, and other former Hardin executives were part of an investor group, Hardin Investment Associates, which eventually partnered with Texas oilman B. K. Johnson to develop the property. Hardin Construction served as general contractor during construction of the 632-room hotel. The Hardin investor group no longer has ownership interest in the property. But through the years, Hardin Construction has been involved in no fewer than four major upgrades, primarily the renovation of guest rooms and meeting spaces. For the recent upgrade, a Hardin's affiliate, ADVENTpds, was hired by the hotel owner to provide project management services because of ADVENTpds's extensive and broad prior involvement with the hotel. "Hardin and Advent have been excellent partners, whose attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines accentuate their first-class work," said hotel GM Peter McMahon. "The level of professionalism from both, on and off site, encourages great results." Make room for elegance Regular patrons returning post-renovation immediate- ly will notice the property's enhanced visual appeal. The renovation involved the demolition, redesign and redo of the entry porte cochere and plaza area to create a stronger sense of "arrival" and to offer guests a more pedestrian friendly environment. Upgraded sidewalks, bright canopies, decorative pavers, improved lighting, and ambient planters and seating areas are part of the new scene. On the river level, the water feature is resurfaced, complemented by hardscape and landscape upgrades. Inside, the renovation included considerable demoli- tion, including structures, MEPs and finishes. New installations included structural steel, framing, drywall, September/October 2012 ccr-mag.com 81 mechanical, electrical and plumbing (including fixtures), wall and floor tile, granite countertops, glass railing, bathroom partitions and accessories, elevator doors and surrounds, and upgrades to audio/visual equipment. Twice, the hotel was closed for one week to allow unimpeded progress on the project's heavy-duty work; crews stayed busy around the clock. Otherwise, hotel operations continued as usual throughout construction. The hotel facilities manager met daily with the project superintendent to pass along information about coming events, changes in schedules and unexpected