Washington Hilton Renovations
Lendlease provided construction management services for the renovation of the historic Washington Hilton.
The 18-month project began with the enlargement of the existing columns and footings of the garage to support the new ballroom addition; the phased construction of the parking area allowed the hotel to provide parking for guests. The multi-phased (20+ phases) renovation program allowed the hotel to remain operational with minimal impact to guests and employees.
Project vision
The Washington Hilton project team built a temporary exhibit hall and meeting rooms, which were available as the project team constructed the new space. The team developed a detailed phasing plan, coordinating scheduled shutdown periods for special events including visits from President Obama; this plan proved critical to the success of the project. Daily communication and weekly meetings kept the hotel staff current with the progress of the project, as well as newly scheduled hotel events.
The renovation/expansion program included a new, one-story, 38,500 square foot addition, creating a new exhibit hall and ballroom space. The new exhibit hall features a green roof and a paved courtyard area for outdoor events; the exhibit hall features an operable partition assembly, allowing the space to be divided into multiple, smaller rooms. The area includes a kitchen; work also included extensive infrastructure for special lighting and audio-visual systems for events.
The work scope included the renovation of public spaces including pre-function areas, public restrooms, administrative offices, restaurant and bar, lobbies, meeting rooms, health club, outdoor pool and ballrooms, as well as demolition, haz-mat abatement, MEP upgrades, replacement and refurbishment, and new finishes to the ceilings, walls and floors. The hotel remained operational throughout construction.
The project team was challenged by the site logistics, due to the fact that the hotel remained in operation during construction requiring access for hotel operations be maintained. Additionally, there is a guest room renovation being done concurrently by another contractor that required specialized coordination.
Sustainability Elements
To reduce resource use and waste to landfill, the project has targeted 70 percent (by weight) diversion of construction and demolition waste from landfill. To accomplish this goal waste was sorted on site into individual recyclable material categories;
To manage storm water, the project’s design included a green roof, storm water retention and treatment system;
To optimize the quality of the indoor environment for employees and guests, all adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings and carpet products used were low-VOC (low odor).
Lendlease developed and implemented a Construction IAQ Management Plan that protected the HVAC system from construction dust during construction, protected materials from moisture damage and prohibited smoking in the building after wall board was installed.
In addition, Lendlease developed and managed a Moisture Mitigation and Mold Prevention program, which involved preemptive measures to prevent mold growth in the building, regular walk-thru inspections by a Mold specialist, and a rapid response plan for conditions that could foster mold growth.
The project completed in May 2010.