Case Study — Tru by Hilton
The First in the Region
Over the past year, our Firmo Construction team, Divine Hospitality, and Valley Bank — along with more than a hundred different suppliers, engineers and designers — came together for a hospitality development project. The task at hand was simple; build one of the newest brands in the Hilton flagship, a Tru by Hilton, from the ground up.
The Hotel Site
The hotel development is nestled close to many schools and large businesses in the area, including the IMG Academy and the First Watch headquarters. Before the build, the ever-growing area was also in need of another hotel establishment, as there was only one lodging location in the area at the time. Through this project, our team was able to provide and house more lodging for visitors while also promoting tourism into the growing area.
The Construction Process
In March 2020, our team, along with the Divine Hospitality team, officially started vertical construction on this new tru by Hilton project, announcing to the community the arrival of the first of this Hilton model in the region. This was the start of a yearlong construction phase that would lead to a grand opening in the beginning of 2021.
Before the groundbreaking began, we were able to apply innovative building methodologies to set the hotel up for success from the outset. First, we applied our VR technology to visualize the project and ensure it was what the Owner envisioned. Additionally, this helped solve potential logistical construction-related issues before any material was even on-site.
We strived to keep the project on schedule with the Owner in mind throughout the build. By having constant check-ins, budget checks, and progress checks, we ensured that they were updated and aware of progress throughout the construction process. Additionally, we also utilized drone videography on a bi-weekly basis to document and capture site progress as it happened.
New-Fangled Tech
Our team designed the entire building utilizing our cost-saving Virtual Reality (VR) service prior to construction. We mapped out the building’s dimensions, electrical system, and plumbing system in its entirety to help plan the build more efficiently.
We also put the use of LiDAR scanning technology into play. Before we installed the drywall, we did a 3D LiDAR scan of the building to ensure that we had a record of everything behind the walls, from support and infrastructure, to utilities and layouts. When the project was complete, the scans were handed over to the Owner, becoming a tool they can utilize for future remodels or refer back to it in order to pinpoint repairs without tearing anything down.
A Hurdle: COVID-19
A couple months through construction, we found ourselves in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and faced the pivotal decisions that would ensure the success of not only this project, but also all our other builds. Our team quickly adapted new job safety protocols in order to keep our workers as safe as possible and reduce the spread of the virus.
Additionally, we kept operations on schedule by adjusting our supply chain management. To combat global supply chain disruptions, we bought all necessary materials upfront and stored everything onsite. This ensured our site was able to remain functional and operational, with the ultimate foal of finishing the project on schedule despite outward setbacks.
Project Completion
Through the collaborative efforts of our team, our partners, and the use of VR and LiDAR technology, we were able to overcome widespread unprecedented circumstances and finish the project on time and within budget.
Due to the nature of infill projects, we also managed to reduce sprawl, emissions, and improve the communities’ aesthetic along the way. The hotel officially opened its doors to guests on April 9, 2021 — with the final 3-story, 81-room structure, along with a swimming pool, business center and fitness room, complete and open for business!
If you are interested in a new commercial development, hospitality project, or hospitality renovation — or if you want to find out more about this project, please contact Eric Collin with Firmo Construction at eric@firmoconstruction.com.
