Our clients are always looking for ways to reduce operating costs and since one of the biggest expense items is electricity, we are always looking for energy saving ideas with quick payback periods that help the bottom-line.
Lighting occupancy sensors are the latest and greatest energy-saving technologies to incorporate into hotel renovations. Detecting activity in an area, lighting occupancy sensors turn lights on and off automatically.
Planning on attending the Lodging Conference at the Arizona Biltmore next week?
Take an evening to dine and relax at the newly created Frank & Albert’s – a modern dining experience at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.
Working closely with Pyramid Advisors and the design professionals at Gensler and Hatch Design Group, TynanGroup successfully managed the project’s budget, schedule, construction and project team.
The end result: a seamless blend of the contemporary, new restaurant design, with the historic architecture of the iconic Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa.
Offering a comfortable indoor dining experience, an elegant outdoor water feature, an impressive variety of fireplaces, and one of the best outdoor dining patios in the Valley, this new dining destination is a must-do for your conference week.
Did you know?
The Arizona Biltmore is a distinguished member of Hilton Hotels’ Waldorf-Astoria Collection, one of the 32 Phoenix Points of Pride and a member of the Historic Hotels of America.
Supervised by Frank Lloyd Wright, the hotel remains the world’s only existing hotel with Wright’s direct design influence. Upon opening in 1929, the hotel was dubbed the “The Jewel of the Desert” and became internationally known for its iconic, pre-cast masonry “Biltmore Block” veneer.
Great care was taken with the new “Biltmore Block,” pushing the contractor to match three separate shades of the original veneer, create exact block mold replicas and follow stringent spacing tolerances.
Auto-Sensing Remote “Jack Packs” Enable Guests to Stay Connected
You know the dilemma and experience it every time you walk into a hotel room. Whether it be your laptop, ipod, or cell phone charger, you have too much gear and no easy way to plug it all in.
Since the evolution of the “Web 2.0″ era, our clients and project teams have struggled to identify products that facilitate guests’ 24/7 demand for interactive information sharing, digital entertainment, and connectivity. The rise in popularity of social networking sites, video-sharing sites, and blogs has challenged hotels to provide their guests with a variety of multi-media options. In addition to in-room flat-panel TVs and high-speed internet access (HSIA), now standard for many brands, our clients have searched for a convenient solution that enables guests to connect and operate multiple electronic devices through the TV.
On recent projects, we have discovered a great product from LG Electronics- the Jack Pack. Offering a multi-media interface to the in-room TV for hotel guests, the Jack Pack provides:
Wide range of A/V inputs- allows for use with external devices, such as laptop PC’s, DVD/CD players, MP3 players, video game consoles, camcorders, etc.
Auto-sensing remote- enables the Jack Pack to be conveniently located for guest use, typically integrated into the TV armoire or desk.
Remote function- eliminates the need for the guest to reach around the TV in search of the correct input, a liability for hotels.
Versatile power outlets- provide more room to plug in electronics.
LG Jackpack
Although Jack Pack models vary, most are manufactured to be integrated into the design of FF&E casegoods, and costs can be mitigated if the Jack Pack specification is included in the shop drawing process. Project teams should keep in mind that the location of the Jack Pack needs to be well thought out to eliminate any impact on the function of the casegood.
Experience this product installed in the guestrooms of our recently renovated Parc 55 Hotel in San Francisco. Integration of auto-sensing remote Jack Packs might be a valuable option for your next renovation or repositioning project.
A Simple Tip That Can Save Construction Costs and Operational Headaches on Your Next Renovation
When Alex Hill, Vice President of Montage Resorts & Hotels, walks into a model room review, the first thing he does is purposefully scuff his black loafers against the base board. Everyone in the room gasps out of disbelieve that the perfect guest room has been marred. “This is going to be problem. Luggage carts and vacuum cleaners will likely be hitting this multiple times a day,” he lectures.
For years, our project teams and design partners have struggled with the problem of aesthetics and functionality in this little thought of detail. Historically, durable base board options have been limited to a straight rubber or carpet seamed base that came with the perception of lower quality. The preferred solution was typically a wooden base that delivered great profiles, but at a high price. And, the scuffing problem remained unresolved.
On recent projects, we have found a great compromise with the Johnsonite wall base. The product is manufactured from rubber (thermoplastic rubber formulation) but comes in seventeen varying profiles so it looks like wood. The colors (available in a large palette) are integral, thus the maintenance is minimal and scuffs either don’t show or can be readily cleaned off. Mitered ends also look great – just like wood. Samples are available online on the Johnsonite website:www.johnsonite.swatchbox.com.
Because there is no priming, sanding, painting, nail hole filling or knots associated with the product, eliminating the involvement of carpenters and painters, installation of Johnsonite wall base typically yields a net savings to the project. And, long term maintenance and replacement costs are also reduced. (more…)
In virtually every hotel and resort property throughout the country, bathroom space is always at a premium. Owners, operators and designers are always trying to get more options and area from the same bathroom footprint. Implementing wall hung toilets can be a winning option for some hotel renovation projects and provide substantial advantages.
According to Brian Nystuen, Senior Vice President of TynanGroup, Inc., “In most cases, major renovations where substantial wall and ceiling work is already being done in bathrooms makes the installation of wall hung toilets most cost-effective. This generally mitigates the extra labor that can be required to cap old waste pipes and install the in-wall carriers and tanks that are required for wall hung toilet fixtures.”
In-Wall View of Wall Hung Toilet
The unit material cost for wall hung carriers and bowls can range between $350 for basic models to more than $900 for high end designer bowl options. The labor cost to install wall hung vs. conventional toilets is similar for new construction applications. However, labor costs to install wall hung toilets in place of conventional models in renovations may be typically higher and are dependent on site specific variables.
When renovation project requirements allow for the economical installation of wall hung toilets, several benefits can be realized. Not the least of which is improved guest perception. Installation of wall hung toilets typically add an additional square foot of floor space – and, just as importantly, create the visual perception of substantially more space in the same bathroom footprint.
Lessons Learned From The Field
Alex Stanford, Director of Renovations, knows first-hand how wall hung toilets can help in the total transformation of bathrooms. “Particularly in tight bathroom layouts, the installation of wall hung toilets can really make a difference. They allow for more design options while also creating the appearance of more useable space for guests. Wall hung toilets played a major role in improving the bathrooms at the Millenium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago. Gibson/Darr Architecture and Consulting did a great job identifying and specing this product on our Knickerbocker renovation project. It was the perfect solution for some very tight configurations.” (more…)
City of Phoenix Sets High Standard for Convention Hotel Development
Nearly five years ago, the City of Phoenix embarked on a plan to revitalize the core of their downtown by building a convention hotel that would draw national attendance for the Phoenix Convention Center and simultaneously benefit the downtown economy.
The strategic approach for building what would become the largest hotel in Arizona was an endeavor that required public bond financing, strong leadership by City leaders, and support from the local community. Moving forward with their plans, Phoenix raised $350 million in public financing for the monumental project.
Originally embarking on the convention hotel project utilizing its substantial in-house resources, the City realized early on that the long-term success of the project could be enhanced by bringing outside expertise on board. Knowing they needed experts in hospitality development and project management, the City sought TynanGroup, Inc. to join their project team.
“We needed a firm that knew hospitality projects of this size and scope well enough to manage our development team” said Jerry Harper, Program Manager with the City of Phoenix. “Looking at TynanGroup’s reputation for completing projects on time and under budget, we were confident they would benefit our plans for the Sheraton project. We were right- TynanGroup’s expertise and leadership allowed us to complete the project under budget and ahead of schedule.”
Working together with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Perini Building Company, Parsons Corporation, BBGM and the architectural firms of Arquitectonica and RSP, TynanGroup played a key role in managing the efforts of all involved team members toward the ultimate goal of a timely and economical project completion.
Some convention hotel developments in other cities have not fared so well. All government and civic leaders want convention hotels to be significant economic engines for their communities. To achieve this vision, it is critical that these visible public projects hit budget, timeline and program goals to succeed.
“Project management makes a significant difference on projects of this size,” said Sergio Bakas, Senior Vice President of Arquitectonica. “Our firm designs convention and hotel facilities internationally and the Phoenix Sheraton Downtown Hotel was one of the most successful projects we have ever worked on. TynanGroup’s strong leadership and the City’s vision helped make this happen.”
“To open a hotel of this magnitude on time and on budget is a testament to the diligence of all those involved in this project,” said Leo Percopo, General Manager of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.(more…)
Inspiration from the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel
A renovation can make a significant impact on the success of a property- particularly
during a time of economic downturn when occupancy rates decline. Whether for a luxury hotel, conference center, public space, or mixed-use development, a modernization that incorporates the existing features and character of a property will prove to be profitable in the long-term.
TynanGroup has been transforming properties for nearly two decades and just completed the restoration of the historic, Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. The extensive renovation included the demolition of all 306 guestrooms to create modern luxury accommodations that recapture the glamour the property once embodied.
Before Renovation
After Renovation
“The incredible redesign of our guest accommodations brings our hotel to a level of luxury befitting its grand beginnings and Magnificent Mile location”
-Anthony Kinnear, General Manager
The Knickerbocker Hotel first opened on May 16, 1927 as the Davis Hotel. Complete with a secret doorway and a mezzanine floor, the hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America; epitomizing the allure and mystique of the Roaring Twenties.
Taking into account the hotel’s historic significance, the renovation of the hotel combined the latest amenities and contemporary style with 1920′s detail. In addition, energy-efficient lighting, water flow control, and linen recycling programs were instituted in efforts of environmental responsibility. By renovating, the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel regained its title of elegance and sophistication in a competitive market.
TynanGroup- A Leader in Renovation Project Management
TynanGroup has managed a wide portfolio of property renovations in markets across the country. Leveraging more than $1 billion in renovation experience and bringing industry-leading best practices to every project, our renovation team offers design management, scheduling, budgeting, construction management, and FF&E coordination. With LEED-certified professionals on the team, TynanGroup can also help any project realize the benefits of green building practices.
