February 17, 2009

IRVINE, Calif.– R.D. Olson Construction has completed building the $5 million renovation of a Sunset Strip structure into a new home for the XIV. The restaurant is owned and operated by hospitality powerhouse SBE, and is the brainchild of SBE CEO Sam Nazarian, renowned French designer Philippe Stark and celebrated chef Michael Mina.

For this project, Irvine, Calif.-based R D. Olson Construction, which has its signature on many new dining concepts and prototypes including Dave & Buster’s and Morton’s the Steakhouse, transformed a former nightclub at 8117 West Sunset Blvd., Hollywood into a 16th century French motif restaurant and bar.

The structure, while simple in its framework, is anything but in design. The dining area’s warm oak wood panels flanked by stainless steel and deep red painted walls create a dramatic flare that resonate to a place in time where luxury supercedes all and culture runs abound. Its parquet wood and deep French-red and gold patterned carpet hint at an era rich in history. With room to seat 114 guests, the restaurant has a very intimate feel, with seating areas delineated by groupings of richly upholstered furniture.

The single-story fine-dining restaurant also features an outdoor patio bar perched five feet above the hustle & bustle of Hollywood on the corner location at Sunset and Crescent Heights. Its exotic floor is comprised of Brazilian IPE hardwood planking, creating a sense of natural modern sophistication.
R.D. Olson worked with Studio Pali Fekete Architects (SPF:a) of Culver City, Calif. on the space planning and architectural design. The interior is a work of art by renowned French architect Philippe Starck.
“For years, we have worked with high-end clients to make new concepts in restaurant design a reality,” said R.D. Olson Construction CEO/President Robert Olson. “But teaming with such an impressive group of talent and visionaries made this particular project an event in itself.”

R.D. Olson Construction was founded in 1979. It has grown into one of the top 50 general contracting firms in California, building such establishments as Marriott Newport Coast Villas, Newport Beach; Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Resort; and four Marriott Residence Inns in Burbank, Oceanside, Irvine, and Long Beach. Renovations include the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Los Angeles; Ritz Carlton Spa, Marina del Rey; and Four Seasons Los Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Its most recent completions include the new 19-story Hotel Palomar, Westwood; and the 174-room Renaissance ClubSport in Aliso Viejo–a full service boutique hotel and world-class fitness resort. Additionally, the company has completed more than 300 major brand restaurants nationwide. Current California projects under construction include the LodgeWorks’ boutique hotel, AVIA Long Beach; Marriott’s Shadow Ridge, Palm Desert; and the Four Season’s Hotel, Los Angeles renovation.

Contact:
Krista Sparks | Randy Hall
714-263-8731 | 714-263-8723
krista@ideahall.com
randy@ideahall.com