Surf & Sand Resort Renovation

Laguna Beach, Calif.

Award of Merit

Submitted by: Swinerton Builders

Owner: JC Resorts

Lead Design Firm: WATG Architects

General Contractor: Swinerton Builders

Crews worked directly above and beside water on renovations to the beachside Surf & Sand Resort. The existing structure features two elevations that cantilever over the ocean, while the lower decks sit beside open water. As a result, scaffolding hung off oddly positioned facades, and work had to stop during high tides and storms. But most of the hotel remained open through construction.

All 165 guest rooms were redone, along with the oceanfront restaurant and bar, the pool and spa, the conference center, coffee shop, fitness center and day spa. Work was sequenced in two phases to keep the property running, with the loudest work pushed into low-occupancy stretches and the schedule adjusted week to week with hotel management.…