Hardin Construction Company "Re-Creates" San Antonio Hotel Hardin Itself Helped Create $26 million makeover of Hyatt Regency on the River Walk

"Hardin Re-Creates San Antonio Hotel . . ." A clear case of association breeds appreciation. End Quote

We appreciate the confidence that Hyatt Regency San Antonio demonstrated in Hardin Construction & its affiliate, ADVENTpds to lead this project.

San Antonio, TX (1888PressRelease) January 16, 2012 - When the landmark Hyatt Regency San Antonio decided it was time to undertake a major makeover, it booked a general contractor-Hardin Construction Company-with deep roots in hospitality construction and longstanding ties to the luxurious downtown hotel.

Throughout the Hyatt Regency's 30-year history, the Hardin name has been part of the hotel's narrative, associated with its development, ownership, renovation, and, most recently, its most comprehensive revitalization project to date-a $26 million redo of the hotel's façade, exterior walkways and landscaping, and meeting and public spaces.

"What began with our entrance, lobby, bar and restaurant is culminating with the complete renovation of 40,000 square feet of meeting space," says Hyatt Regency General Manager Peter McMahon proudly. "This renovation insures Hyatt Regency San Antonio's status as the premier meeting destination in San Antonio."

Acquired knowledge
Sixty-five-year-old Hardin Construction Company has played a role in nearly 100 hospitality projects and has built more than 24,600 hotel rooms throughout the U.S. It also has extensive experience working on sites that must remain operational during construction or renovation, as was the case with this project.
Hardin knows the Hyatt Regency San Antonio as well as it knows hospitality construction itself.

Allen Hardin, son of company founder Ira H. Hardin, and other former Hardin executives were part of an investor group, Hardin Investment Associates, searching for hotel development sites in the late 1970s. Hardin Investment eventually partnered with Texas oilman B. K. Johnson to develop what was destined to become one of the city's most posh and popular downtown hotels.

Hardin Construction served as general contractor for the 632-room hotel, which opened in 1981 sporting San Antonio's first atrium lobby and, most importantly, a prime location allowing it to connect-literally via the hotel's lobby-two of the state's top destinations, the San Antonio River Walk and the historic Alamo.
The Hardin investor group no longer has ownership interest in the property. Through the years, however, Hardin Construction has been involved in no fewer than four major upgrades, primarily interior renovations of guest rooms and meeting spaces. Its affiliate, ADVENTpds, was hired by the hotel owner to provide project management services because of ADVENTpds's extensive and broad prior involvement with the hotel also.

This renovation is different
Begun in summer 2010, this project involves a sweeping redesign and remake intended to preserve the hotel's rich history and sense of place while modernizing it with amenities and renewing it as a local destination venue.

"Hardin and Advent have been excellent partners whose attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines accentuate their first-class work," said General Manager Peter McMahon. "The level of professionalism from both, on and off site, encourages great results."

Regular patrons returning post-renovation will notice right away the property's enhanced visual appeal. The renovation involved the demolition, redesign and redo of the entry porte cochere and plaza area, creating a stronger sense of "arrival" and offering guests a more pedestrian friendly environment.
Upgraded sidewalks, bright canopies, decorative pavers, improved lighting, and ambient planters and seating areas are part of the new scene. On the river level, the water feature is resurfaced, complemented by hardscape and landscape upgrades.

Energy and elegance
Inside, the transformation is no less striking. The redesigned lobby presents an expansive color palette of warm, natural tones, complementing the extensive use of wood and glass. Latte colored marble tiles span the lobby, and atrium glazing has been refinished top to bottom. Contractors custom-fitted the upper reaches of the 16-story atrium with a new window-washing support system that makes maintenance less arduous.

The hotel's reconstituted restaurant and bar are steeped in a refined, new elegance. The bar, once located on the hotel's lower level, was torn out and raised to the same level as the restaurant, creating a common energy from the lobby to the restaurant and bar-now an attraction and point of focus. The space features a 55-foot granite bar and breathtaking views of the San Antonio River. The remodeled atrium also features a new Einstein Bros Bagels restaurant.

Replacing the hotel's traditional front desk set-up is a series of small pods of walnut and white Persian marble, promoting more personable engagement between hotel guests and staff. Brand-new escalators and modern, "jewel box"-style elevator cabs ferry visitors and guests about.

Updated ballrooms, conference and meeting facilities, and administrative offices were also part of the remake. Topping off the project is a refurbishing of the Hyatt Regency's rooftop pool and pool bar, scheduled for completion in early 2012.

"We appreciate the confidence that Hyatt Regency San Antonio demonstrated in Hardin Construction Company and its affiliate, ADVENTpds, to lead a project that will extend the hotel's long tradition as a premier destination hotel with the highest standards and amenities, and we are very proud of our involvement," said Hardin Chairman Brantley Barrow.

The project's architect of record is Douglas Architects of San Antonio, and its interior designer is Looney & Associates of Dallas and Chicago.

About Hardin Construction
Celebrating 65 years of excellence, Hardin Construction Company, LLC is one of the nation's leading construction services firms, providing unequalled expertise for projects of broad scope and complexity through its culture of integrity, innovation and opportunity. With capabilities in general construction, construction management, design-build and renovation, Hardin is a leader in green building and sustainable practices and is recognized nationally for its safety practices. Privately-held, Hardin's headquarters is in Atlanta, Ga., with offices in Atlanta, GA, Tampa, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Raleigh, N.C., and Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.hardinconstruction.com.

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