October 25, 2010

Honolulu, Hawaii – Irvine-based R.D. Olson Construction, specialists in resort and hotel building, has completed a major renovation of The Waikiki Edition, formerly the Ilikai Yacht Harbor Tower. The hotel is operated by Marriott International as part of its newest brand, The Edition.

The 17-story hotel, originally built in 1967, is located at the intersection of Ala Moana Blvd. and Hobron Lane. The hotel is owned by M Waikiki LLC of San Diego.

“We transformed the existing hotel into an exciting new brand produced jointly by Marriott International and Ian Schrager Company,” said R.D. Olson Construction CEO/president, Robert Olson. “The Waikiki Edition is now a high-quality, modern-day resort hotel. 

At completion, R.D. Olson had renovated 353 guest rooms; a 9,200-square-foot ballroom and 4,000-square-foot pre-function area; 2,500-square-foot lobby and lobby bar; two pools totaling 23,000-square feet with associated pool bars, a 2,000 square-foot spa, fitness center, over 4,000 square-feet of meeting rooms/space; and a restaurant named after well-known “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto. The project cost totaled more than $40 million. 

Renovating the boutique hotel has given it an entirely new look. The guest rooms impart tropical style. Louvers and wood finishes made of dark teak and Mozambique woods stand in contrast with the room’s fresh white walls. Each suite has a lanai with breathtaking ocean views and has been upgraded with flat screen TVs and Internet access.

The lobby and the lobby bar feature black oak floors, white oak and whitewashed walls lined with bookcases and organic free form furnishings. For those who prefer lively crowds, R.D. Olson built an adjoining nightclub named Crazy Box, featuring a VIP area, bar and lounge. Walls are plaster with a foiled silver finish. A focal point is a hanging light best described as a cloud with more than sixteen thousand light bulbs—some lit, some not, to off a distinct glow. Combined with state-of-the-art amenities, the Crazy Box is expected to rank among one of Waikiki’s finest.

The ballroom is one of three in operation within the Honolulu area. Many of the city’s businesses host events here. R.D. Olson brought it to life with special oak wood finishings, wall coverings and carpet. An artsy array of Chinese lanterns hangs from wood beams making for a grand display.
R.D. Olson gave the lower pool a face-lift with new IPE decking, and built a new upper pool featuring pebble stone walkways, beach sand, and a walk-up bar.

Two San Diego County-based architectural firms are credited with the hotel’s new contemporary design. Solomon Ferguson developed plans for the guest rooms, and Delawie Wilkes Rodrigues Barker has it signature on the public spaces including a lobby, lobby bar, nightclub, ballroom, Morimoto’s restaurant and two pools. Yabu Pushelberg of Toronto, Canada, is the interior designer for the entire renovation, with the exception of the Morimoto restaurant. Moriomoto’s was designed by the well-known Los Angeles firm, Thomas Schoos Design.

R.D. Olson Construction, based in Irvine, Calif., was founded in 1979. It has grown into one of the top 50 general contracting firms in California, building such establishments as the 174-room Renaissance ClubSport in Aliso Viejo; AVIA Long Beach Hotel; Marriott Newport Coast Villas, Newport Beach; Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Resort, Ojai; and four Marriott Residence Inns in Long Beach, Burbank, Oceanside and Irvine. 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. The company’s most recent completions include renovating the 19-story Hotel Palomar, Westwood; Hyatt Regency Orange County in Garden Grove: Avalon Grille, Catalina Island; and Pavilion Hotel, Catalina Island. Additionally, the company has completed more than 300 major brand restaurants nationwide.

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