This case study explores the remarkable restoration of the iconic Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Discover how Existing Conditions partnered with Smith and Moore Architects to revive this historic landmark, preserving its elegance and charm while incorporating modern amenities. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the project's start-to-finish process, from the challenges encountered and the approaches we took to overcome them.
Explore our case study video as we unveil the remarkable collaboration between Smith and Moore Architects and Existing Conditions in the renovation of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. Discover how our partnership and innovative 3D laser scanning technology revitalized this esteemed hotel, transforming it back into the charming location it once was.
Watch the video below to listen to our renowned experts, Kurt Yeghian, Founder and CEO, and Holly Vaillancourt, Operations Director discuss their work on this project.
According to The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, this glimmering destination has a captivating history that began in 1947. Situated in the post-war construction boom, the hotel swiftly established itself as a luxurious retreat, attracting influential individuals seeking solace in the tropical haven of Palm Beach. With its British Colonial style of architecture and exquisite landscaping, the Colony Hotel exuded elegance and became renowned as a backdrop for opulent parties and social events.
Postcard of The Colony Hotel from 1940s (Image Courtesy of Digital Commonwealth)
The hotel has adapted over time, expanding its accommodations to cater to a diverse range of guests while upholding its commitment to luxury and impeccable service. Through renovations and the incorporation of modern amenities, The Colony Hotel has seamlessly blended its historic charm with contemporary comforts. Its enduring appeal among celebrities, politicians, and artists has firmly established its position within the Palm Beach community.
Today, The Colony Hotel stands as an iconic landmark, epitomizing the elegance and refinement synonymous with Palm Beach. With its rich history, unwavering dedication to exceptional guest experiences, and its position as a premier destination, The Colony Hotel continues to enchant travelers seeking an unforgettable and luxurious stay in this coastal paradise.
Existing Conditions’ collaboration with Smith and Moore Architects has been instrumental in our recent projects, including the renovation of The Colony Hotel. With a focus on high-end residential projects and an expanding clientele in Palm Beach, Smith and Moore Architects recognized the value of our premium services and accurate measurements.
The partnership between our companies was forged through a satisfied client who owned one of the single-family homes we worked on. Impressed by the quality of our work, they entrusted us with the significant task of renovating their prized asset—The Colony Hotel. With its rich history and grandeur, the hotel demanded meticulous attention to detail and seamless execution.
Our state-of-the-art Leica RTC360 scanner, scanning the interior of The Colony Hotel
Amidst the summer season, typically the hotel's off-season, our team, led by Holly Vaillancourt, Director of Operations, embarked on the project. By maintaining transparency, orderliness, and clear communication, we successfully delivered on the client's priorities, including additional requests made possible by our comprehensive laser scanning.
The relationship between Existing Conditions and Smith and Moore Architects was driven by mutual respect and shared goals. It has enabled us to execute remarkable projects like the renovation of The Colony Hotel, establishing a solid foundation for future endeavors, and ensuring continued excellence in delivering exceptional architectural solutions.
Every client we work with is a valued partner in every project we embark on. We believe in cultivating a collaborative relationship with our clients, and we work with them throughout the entire lifespan of each project. By combining our decades of experience, state-of-the-art equipment, and expertise, we consistently deliver outstanding results, satisfying our clients and building strong foundations for future collaborations.
In May 2021, Existing Conditions received an inquiry from Smith and Moore Architects, signaling the beginning of an exciting partnership for the renovation of the Colony Hotel. Existing Conditions had been given a specific set of deliverables, consisting of exterior elevations, floor plans (including area calculations), reflected ceiling plans (RCPs), and interior elevations.
On August 16th, the diligent operations team from Existing Conditions set off to begin scanning every aspect of the hotel's exterior. From the elegant exterior walls to the intricate details of windows, doors, canopies, and skylights, no element was left unscanned. By August 21, the scanning phase was successfully completed, allowing the team to move swiftly into the crucial data processing stage, which commenced on August 23.
Exterior elevation of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, FL.
With unwavering commitment and expertise, Existing Conditions dedicated our efforts to process the extensive scan data. By September 7, the culmination of our meticulous work resulted in the complete processing of all scan data, laying the foundation for the subsequent modeling phase. Leveraging our proficiency, the product team initiated the modeling process, transforming the raw data into comprehensive deliverables.
The final milestone was reached on November 16, 2021, when Existing Conditions proudly delivered the meticulously crafted and accurate model, including hundreds of interior elevations to Smith and Moore Architects, culminating in a successful collaboration that would shape the future of the esteemed Colony Hotel.
The logistics of scanning a large and intricate building like The Colony Hotel presented a notable challenge for Existing Conditions. We understood the importance of minimizing disruptions to the hotel's operations and guests throughout the renovation process, so our next step was to align the schedule perfectly with the hotel's off-season.
Our state-of-the-art Leica RTC360 scanner, scanning the exterior of The Colony Hotel
Furthermore, the renovation of The Colony Hotel demanded a high level of precision and accuracy in scanning the entire building. The team had to navigate the intricacies of capturing data for a structure of this scale, ensuring that every detail was documented. The project's tight timeframe further underscored the importance of working diligently and maintaining a seamless workflow, presenting our team with the opportunity to demonstrate our efficiency and expertise.
The Colony Hotel, owned by one of Smith and Moore's clients, presented a unique set of challenges. With a history of meticulous scanning and precise deliverables, Existing Conditions was well-prepared to tackle the project. By strategically scheduling the scanning process during the hotel's off-season, so we were not disrupting the hotel's operations. The team's expertise and professionalism made the renovation progress smoothly, with no downtime or inconvenience to the staff and tenants.
Floor plan of The Colony Hotel
Our operations expert, Holly Vaillancourt, played a crucial role in coordinating the project and ensuring a seamless workflow. Her firsthand experience with challenging scanning environments and dedication to delivering exceptional results proved invaluable. With a strong focus on execution and client satisfaction, Existing Conditions exceeded expectations, providing accurate data and accommodating additional requests from the client. The successful completion of this project demonstrated Existing Conditions’ commitment to excellence and solidified our reputation as trusted partners in the industry.
Our participation in the renovation project at The Colony Hotel was a remarkable undertaking that exemplified the unique expertise of Existing Conditions. What made this project truly unique was the comprehensive scope of our 3D laser scanning. We scanned every aspect of the hotel, ensuring that we captured every intricate detail with unparalleled precision.
Point cloud elevation of The Colony Hotel
The project's uniqueness extended beyond the extensive scanning process. Throughout our documentation of the hotel and the 79 distinctive and remarkable hotel rooms, we recognized the significance of every detail and the paramount importance of delivering a final product that would truly showcase the hotel's exceptional beauty. By transforming the raw scan data into comprehensive deliverables, we provided our clients with accurate drawings and a visual representation of the hotel, supplying our clients with a precise foundation, they are able to initiate their renovation project with confidence.
The successful completion of The Colony Hotel renovation project not only preserved its iconic status but also solidified Existing Conditions' reputation as a trusted partner in the industry, capable of handling the most complex projects and delivering exceptional results.
See our downloadable eBook below.
According to Forbes, The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach is a timeless symbol of luxury and sophistication. With its rich history spanning seventy-five years, it has been a favored destination for renowned figures, from royalty to celebrities. The recently renovated hotel now offers 89 rooms and suites that provide a chic and contemporary experience, featuring Matouk Linens, Assouline coffee table books, and modern amenities.
Image of The Colony Hotel taken by Existing Conditions
The lobby is a vibrant blend of pale pinks, lime greens, and striking patterns, creating a lively yet refined atmosphere. Guests are greeted with chilled Evian or champagne upon arrival, setting the stage for a truly indulgent stay. The hotel offers cocktail hours, an outdoor dining option, Swifty's, and a comfortable retreat during summer. The hotel also has other unique features, for example, the outdoor "hanging garden" which enchants its picturesque setting.
The Colony Hotel's enduring elegance, accompanied by its proximity to the beach, has solidified its position as an integral part of Palm Beach's luxurious landscape, making it a destination of choice for those seeking refined relaxation and storied charm.
Smith and Moore Architects, is a highly regarded architectural firm with a distinguished track record in the realm of high-end residential projects. With a legacy spanning numerous years, they have established themselves as industry leaders, celebrated for their exceptional designs that blend innovation, functionality, and exquisite aesthetics. Their portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects that reflect their commitment to architectural excellence and their ability to create spaces that surpass clients' expectations.
At the core of Smith and Moore Architects' success lies their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. They possess a unique ability to comprehend and translate their clients' visions into tangible architectural marvels, resulting in bespoke designs that embody the client's desires and aspirations. By fostering open and collaborative relationships with their clients, Smith and Moore Architects ensure that each project is a true reflection of the client's individuality and personal style.
Contact us today to embark on a journey of collaboration, partnership, and success. Let us be an extension of your team, providing our expertise and guidance. With over 25 years of experience partnering with top developers nationwide, we have established ourselves as the industry leader. Trust us to provide comprehensive situational awareness of your building. Schedule a free consultation now by clicking here.
Nicolas Mateus: Apr 26, 2024 9:45:54 AM
Enhancing Building Projects with a Professional As-Built Drawings Company A new mentality of construction waste reduction and taking advantage of the...
Amanda Zaslow: Apr 5, 2024 3:33:10 PM
In honor of National Beer Day, we're excited to share our collaboration with the iconic Samuel Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain. At Existing...
Nicolas Mateus: Apr 2, 2024 4:27:05 PM
In the fast-paced world of architecture and construction, accuracy matters. Good buildings understand the importance of details and rigorous work to...
-2.jpg)
Wylde LaTulippe
