September 23, 2019

Coastal inspired revitalization features living green wall, new restaurant and café

LONG BEACH, Calif. – R.D. Olson Construction, an award-winning general contracting firm in California, has completed the 8,000-square-foot lobby renovation of Westin Downtown Long Beach. Consisting of upgrades to the reception area, giftshop, car rental office, coffee shop, restaurant, bar, restrooms and exterior entry, the remodel modernizes the 469-room hotel and provides additional amenities for guests.

Focal points of the lobby include a 15 by 30-foot living green wall, 25-foot chandelier and live strawberry tree. Coastal-inspired design features include brass lighting elements, white marble flooring, custom stone artwork, curved paneling, a grey and gold color palette and natural wood finishes throughout.

“We’re proud to partner with owner Highgate Hotels to bring its vision of a revitalized lobby to life,” said Bill Wilhelm, president of R.D. Olson Construction. “Our extensive experience in the hospitality sector as well as in renovation projects helped ensure the remodel was successfully completed with minimal impact to the hotel’s operations.”

Completed in five months, the project was comprised of two phases and involved the construction of a temporary registration area to ensure an uninterrupted experience for hotel guests, visitors and staff.

Located at 333 E. Ocean Blvd., the hotel caters to tourists, airline industry professionals and Port of Long Beach workers. Nearby attractions include the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center and the entrance to the Long Beach Grand Prix.

The Westin Downtown Long Beach renovation brings two new eateries to the property. Its new restaurant, Navy Proof Food & Spirits, is a Howe & Brown Hospitality concept serving new-American fare and craft cocktails. Bluestone Lane – an Australian-inspired coffee shop, café and lifestyle brand – is the first of its locations outside of downtown Los Angeles. Additional hotel offerings include an outdoor pool, fitness center and more than 51,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The hotel was originally constructed in 1988.

R.D. Olson Construction worked alongside Houston Tyner and Vanrooy Design on the project. Other nearby renovation projects from R.D. Olson Construction include upgrades to the Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel, Los Angeles Airport Marriott and Kimpton Hotel Wilshire.